‘Welcome to Big Brother’: Driver’s warning after AI fines leave him hundreds out of pocket
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New technology is changing the way parking rules are enforced, but not everyone is happy about it.
As councils embrace automation, some drivers are finding themselves caught off guard by what they claim are overly aggressive tactics.
One motorist has taken to social media to voice his frustration after being hit with multiple fines—sparking a debate about fairness, transparency, and the role of artificial intelligence in local law enforcement.
A Melbourne father has taken aim at his local councils after being fined twice by what he claimed were artificial intelligence-driven parking cameras.
Tim Manger, who reported the incidents for Beat the Reset, accused the City of Whittlesea and the City of Banyule of using ‘Big Brother’ surveillance to issue fines, warning other motorists to be cautious.
In a social media video, he argued that councils had implemented a ‘full AI suite’ as part of the digital twin cities program, a modernisation effort he previously claimed was linked to Melbourne and Singapore.
Mr Manger’s first fine, totalling $198, came after he stopped briefly in front of a ‘No Stopping’ sign on Enterprise Drive in Bundoora.
A second infringement, issued for stopping for ‘five seconds’ on Simms Road in Montmorency while dropping his son off at basketball practice, cost him another $119.
He said the second fine was particularly frustrating as it occurred at 7:00 pm on a factory backroad, where he believed there was little disruption to traffic.
‘Welcome to Big Brother,’ he said.
‘Local councils have themselves a full AI suite which is in keeping with the digital twin cities program and sadly people will find out the hard way much like I did.’
The technology behind these fines was developed by South Australian company eSmart 21, which promotes its ‘AutoFine’ system as a contactless and AI-powered solution for parking enforcement.
According to the company’s website, the system aimed to increase parking turnover in high-demand areas by up to 40 per cent while improving compliance.
The City of Monash had already implemented similar technology, using in-ground sensors and cameras to monitor vehicles and enforce time limits.
Councils argued that the system ensured fair parking access, with inspectors verifying infringements before issuing fines.
However, Mr Manger believed the technology was ruthless and that unclear signage put drivers at risk of unexpected penalties.
‘The common man has limited understanding of any of these rules,’ he said.
‘Most of the parking signs around Melbourne are confusing to say the least.
‘I consider myself to be an educated man and I struggle with a lot of these signs but sadly for many the first we’re going to hear about it is in the post and for mums and dads who are struggling this will be one hell of a slap in the face.’
Social media users also criticised the automated enforcement system, with some arguing that fines for minor infractions were unfair.
‘Stopping to drop a kid off at sport is something we all do a lot of. You pull up they get out you drive on,’ one commenter wrote.
‘$119 in a quiet industrial estate? That camera’s not going to last long.’
‘Yikes, socialist Victoria fining people for just existing in the world, no doubt trying to raise money to pay off their massive debt,’ another said.
Mr Manger, the City of Whittlesea, the City of Banyule, and eSmart 21 has been contacted for comment.
With AI-powered cameras cracking down on parking violations, do you think this technology is making the roads fairer or just another way for councils to cash in?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
As councils embrace automation, some drivers are finding themselves caught off guard by what they claim are overly aggressive tactics.
One motorist has taken to social media to voice his frustration after being hit with multiple fines—sparking a debate about fairness, transparency, and the role of artificial intelligence in local law enforcement.
A Melbourne father has taken aim at his local councils after being fined twice by what he claimed were artificial intelligence-driven parking cameras.
Tim Manger, who reported the incidents for Beat the Reset, accused the City of Whittlesea and the City of Banyule of using ‘Big Brother’ surveillance to issue fines, warning other motorists to be cautious.
In a social media video, he argued that councils had implemented a ‘full AI suite’ as part of the digital twin cities program, a modernisation effort he previously claimed was linked to Melbourne and Singapore.
Mr Manger’s first fine, totalling $198, came after he stopped briefly in front of a ‘No Stopping’ sign on Enterprise Drive in Bundoora.
A second infringement, issued for stopping for ‘five seconds’ on Simms Road in Montmorency while dropping his son off at basketball practice, cost him another $119.
He said the second fine was particularly frustrating as it occurred at 7:00 pm on a factory backroad, where he believed there was little disruption to traffic.
‘Welcome to Big Brother,’ he said.
‘Local councils have themselves a full AI suite which is in keeping with the digital twin cities program and sadly people will find out the hard way much like I did.’
The technology behind these fines was developed by South Australian company eSmart 21, which promotes its ‘AutoFine’ system as a contactless and AI-powered solution for parking enforcement.
According to the company’s website, the system aimed to increase parking turnover in high-demand areas by up to 40 per cent while improving compliance.
The City of Monash had already implemented similar technology, using in-ground sensors and cameras to monitor vehicles and enforce time limits.
Councils argued that the system ensured fair parking access, with inspectors verifying infringements before issuing fines.
However, Mr Manger believed the technology was ruthless and that unclear signage put drivers at risk of unexpected penalties.
‘The common man has limited understanding of any of these rules,’ he said.
‘Most of the parking signs around Melbourne are confusing to say the least.
‘I consider myself to be an educated man and I struggle with a lot of these signs but sadly for many the first we’re going to hear about it is in the post and for mums and dads who are struggling this will be one hell of a slap in the face.’
Social media users also criticised the automated enforcement system, with some arguing that fines for minor infractions were unfair.
‘Stopping to drop a kid off at sport is something we all do a lot of. You pull up they get out you drive on,’ one commenter wrote.
‘$119 in a quiet industrial estate? That camera’s not going to last long.’
‘Yikes, socialist Victoria fining people for just existing in the world, no doubt trying to raise money to pay off their massive debt,’ another said.
Mr Manger, the City of Whittlesea, the City of Banyule, and eSmart 21 has been contacted for comment.
With AI-powered cameras cracking down on parking violations, do you think this technology is making the roads fairer or just another way for councils to cash in?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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