City Parking Clarifies ANPR System After Social Media Concerns

City Parking Explains Grace Periods and ANPR System Role in Parking Enforcement

City Parking has issued an update on investigations into its Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system following concerns raised on social media. The company stressed that the technology does not issue fines or carry out enforcement actions.

In a statement, the parking management company said its review was aimed at addressing misinformation and clarifying how the system operates.

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ANPR Described as an “Automated Marshal”

City Parking said the ANPR vehicle functions purely as a monitoring tool that records stationary vehicles which have not yet paid for parking. The system, it explained, does not issue fines, clamp vehicles or take enforcement action.

“Our review has confirmed that the ANPR vehicle functions strictly as an automated marshal, assisting in logging stationary vehicles that have not yet paid for parking. The system does not issue enforcement fines. All enforcement actions—including fines and clamping, are carried out solely by our Assistant Inspectors,” the company said, adding that the technology simply supports record-keeping and efficiency.

Grace Periods in Place for Motorists

To promote fairness and customer convenience, City Parking confirmed that motorists are granted a 15-minute operational grace period after a vehicle is logged, allowing sufficient time to make payment before any enforcement can be considered.

The company said this practice aligns with the Harare (Pre-paid Parking Disc) By-laws of 2000 and supports a customer-care-driven approach.

Motorists with valid parking tickets also continue to benefit from a 30-minute post-expiry grace period before clamping, in line with City Parking’s standard operating procedures.

Number Plate Tampering Raises Concern

The investigation also uncovered an increase in cases where motorists deliberately obscure or alter vehicle number plates to avoid identification.

City Parking warned that such conduct undermines parking management systems and may amount to offences under national regulations. The company said it is working with relevant authorities to address the issue.

Commitment to Transparency and Engagement

City Parking reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a transparent, fair and customer-focused parking system.

Motorists were encouraged to seek assistance or clarification through official communication channels or by engaging directly with City Parking staff.

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