Penang Launches Real-Time Automated Parking Fine System To Catch Unpaid Fees Instantly
No more escaping without paying.
Penang drivers might want to think twice before skipping out on paying for parking
The state has officially rolled out a brand new automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system that dishes out parking fines automatically.
Here's how it works: the system scans your car's number plate in real-time to check if you've paid your parking fees
If you haven't, a fine will be issued on the spot and sent directly to your Penang Smart Parking app, which is the only way to pay for parking at council-managed lots, according to FMT.
The system went into effect last Thursday, 24 April.
"This isn't just a tech upgrade. It is [a shift in] how we manage urban parking with smart enforcement, full digitalisation, and a commitment to the environment with fewer paper compound notices," said H'ng Mooi Lye, chairman of the State Local Government, Town, and Country Planning Committee, during a recent press conference at the Seberang Perai City Council.
He also pointed out that going fully digital means fewer errors, faster enforcement, and even a more eco-friendly approach by reducing paper notices.
According to a video by Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang - MBPP, ANPR-equipped vehicles move around parking areas to detect vehicle license plate numbers.
The captured numbers are displayed on a screen, and the system will check the current parking payment status.
Watch the video below to see how it works:
Both the Penang Island City Council and the Seberang Perai City Council now have five ANPR units each
These units are packed with optical character recognition technology that cross-checks number plates with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) database.
If you're caught parking illegally or without paying, the system will instantly pull your details from JPJ and issue a fine.
Plus, the move is expected to lower operating costs and cut down manpower needs by up to 60% — meaning fewer officers patrolling and more efficient operations overall.Long story short: If you're parking in Penang, make sure you pay up. The system's watching!
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