Posted on 10/31/2011 10:22:24 AM PDT by Ken H
City council in Austin, Texas considers allowing residents to issue parking tickets to other drivers with an iPhone app.
Residents of Austin, Texas may soon have the power to issue parking tickets by taking a few photographs of someone else's car with their smartphones. A unanimous council voted on October 20 to explore the concept of deputizing vigilante meter maids using an iPhone app. Disabled advocates pushed the program at the council meeting in the hopes of guaranteeing easier parking. They were joined by others who were just interested in writing the $511 tickets.
"I am a community policer from way back," one resident said at the meeting. "I'm also one of the first code compliance volunteers in my neighborhood... Low income people like me can't even afford a cell phone, so I think if you're going to allow this you should also expand this ordinance to include the ability of the police department and code compliance to purchase smartphones for their volunteers."
Councilman Kathie Tovo noted a number of volunteers had already emailed looking to join the program. Under Texas Transportation Code Section 681.0101, cities may deputize volunteer meter maids who swear an oath after taking a four-hour class before they can start ticketing.
"I can't help but think that there's some solution that does involve the use of smartphone technology putting those powers in the hands of citizens and enabling them to help the city extend its reach to do a better job of enforcing handicapped parking restrictions," Councilman Chris Riley said.
The non-profit group Parking Mobility, created by George Soros-funded organizations, created the Android, Blackberry and iPhone parking ticket app which encourages cities to adopt the program because they can "generate revenue." The system requires a person take three photographs of the alleged violator -- one of the license plate, one of the windshield and one showing the car and the handicapped parking sign. The software sends the photos and the GPS location to the city so it can issue the expensive ticket.
"There's really no better enforcement tool than our citizens policing themselves," Councilman Mike Martinez said. "I think the merits of this program deserve our support."
The council ordered the city manager to create a report on the feasibility of the program within ninety days.
Hmmmm;
On the fence with this one. One the one hand........
But on the other hand.........
Another reason to avoid Austin as much as possible. It’s become S.F. without the bridge.
This has ABUSE written all over it.
(and don’t get me started on the SOROs-funded app!)
Here’s a question.
If you had the ear of a council member, what would you say? (other than no!)
Can we start cracking down on handicap placard holders who aren’t really handicapped?
Libtard - I don't have something I want; so YOU have to buy it for me.
I don't have a Deer/Moose/Elk Rifle - the 2nd Ammendment gives me the right to bear arms; so if I want a decent rifle, I suppose I ought to cut spending somewhere else, and save my money. I'd never dream of demanding that someone else provide me something, I can buy myself.
The non-profit group Parking Mobility, created by George Soros-funded organizations, created the Android, Blackberry and iPhone parking ticket app which encourages cities to adopt the program because they can "generate revenue."
All I need to know is:
George Soros funded.......
NFW!
I will support this if they add a provision stating that the policy will only apply to those who drive a Prius.
No doubt many people need this kind of attention to get them to follow the rules.
BUT this is way too close to fascism! Remember the Communist neighborhood watch patrols in Cuba and other peoples’ paradises. Not to mention the Nazi Hitler Youth spies.
If you “deputize” citizens for illegal parking, what else might the state/city government ask you to do?
This has a BAD idea written all over it!
Somebody doesn't understand the word "volunteer".
$511, really? Once they get their foot in the door with this, it will be no holds bar on everything else soon after. I assume Police Cars will be exempt from any tickets?
Jay Santos. Paging Jay Santos ...
How about, "Ticket this!"
Great!! Wild west all over, again. Gun packin’ Texas. Blood will flow in the streets.
Yeah, roadside summary handicapping, I like it!
Can you demand a trial by jury for a parking ticket?
How many volunteers would quit if they had to testify in court?
“Disabled advocates pushed the program at the council meeting in the hopes of guaranteeing easier parking.”
I dunno who they are representin’ but they sure aren’t representin’ me. Get lost bozos. And I especially don’t want to hear you begging for a GD smartphone. FFS, you want one, work hard, buy one. I don’t have a smartphone.
Thank the heavens I don’t have to drive into Austin, for anything anymore.
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