Motorist Suits Auckland Transport Over Mobile Parking Camera Surveillance

Paul Ryan, a private driver in Auckland, has taken Auckland Transport (AT) to court to test whether the agency’s fleet of mobile licence-plate-recognition vehicles breaches the Privacy Act, the Evidence Act or the Bill of Rights Act. Ryan sought the raw video footage, the operating manual for the camera cars, the data-collection and storage policy, and any privacy impact assessment (PIA). After a courier delivered a box of documents and several DVDs containing hours of footage—far beyond the period his car was allegedly parked illegally—AT withdrew the four infringement notices on the day of the defended hearing. Ryan is now seeking costs of $71 for preparing his case, noting that his aim is public awareness rather than personal financial gain.

The New Zealand Herald

AT operates 25 mobile camera cars across Auckland, covering all resident-parking zones and about 75 percent of the region’s town and city centres. Each vehicle carries a suite of cameras and two-dimensional infrared technology to read registration plates. According to Rick Bidgood, AT’s head of transport and parking compliance, the cars make multiple passes of parking spaces, “digitally chalk” vehicle tyres and capture scene images to confirm illegal parking. AT states that any footage not required for enforcement is deleted, and that images may be shared with New Zealand Police in line with legislative requirements.

The New Zealand Herald

A spokesperson for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) said that geolocated plate readings constitute personal information under the Privacy Act and that agencies should not collect more personal information than necessary, even when automated. While a PIA is not a legal requirement, the OPC noted it is good practice for building public trust. Privacy Foundation chair Katrine Evans argued that camera systems are useful for law enforcement but are intrinsically intrusive and should be justified with clear signage and robust safeguards.

The New Zealand Herald

Rick Bidgood reiterated that the vehicles’ multiple passes and “digitally chalk” technique are essential for confirming offences. Phil Wratt, AT’s customer-care engagement manager, wrote to Ryan on July 30 confirming that the mobile units captured images beyond rule-breaking cars.

The New Zealand Herald

• “I just think sunlight’s a very good disinfectant” — Paul Ryan, motorist

The New Zealand Herald

• “They then need to design and manage the system in a way that achieves that aim, but also protects against unnecessary intrusions on privacy as much as possible,” — Katrine Evans, privacy foundation chair

The New Zealand Herald