Latest news with #RobHarrison
1News
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- 1News
Licence plate recognition tech being used for parking enforcement
People may have seen them driving around – cars fitted out with cameras, patrolling streets with parking limits. Auckland Transport now has a fleet of 23 of these cars – two more are set to join that fleet shortly. The organisation's parking compliance manager Rick Bidgood says its the biggest fleet in the Southern Hemisphere. "I have to keep up with the expansion of Auckland," he told 1News. "I can't do that by throwing more people, more people, more people." The city has 173 on-foot parking officers, but using the vehicles means compliance staff can cover far more ground, far more quickly. 1News went for a ride-along in one of the licence plate recognition cars. The automated cameras snap pictures of licence plates. Pictures of vehicles that have stayed too long are reviewed the next day and a fine is issued. "In my experience, the worst offenders are commuters, those who park and catch a bus into town to work," said parking officer Rob Harrison. While AT has seen some spikes in infringement revenue, including when parking ticket fees increased nationwide last October, Bidgood said, overall, revenue has remained steady since the introduction of the vehicles. "Compliance is a funny thing. The more consistent you do it, the better the compliance, the less issuance." Other cities are also rolling out this tech. Wellington has introduced 4 licence plate recognition cars to its parking services fleet, with their use to be expanded in the future. A Christchurch City Council spokesperson told 1News: "We hope to have this technology operational and functional on our network in the near future." Even smaller cities are using LPR cars. A New Plymouth District Council Spokesperson told 1News the city "started using the system this week and have one car fitted out, with no plans for more". Auckland Transport told 1News it only retains footage as evidence if an offence is challenged. Otherwise it's deleted within 48 hours. The organisation added that parking officers wouldn't be replaced, but upskilled with this new technology.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Newcastle's new urgent treatment facility secures planning consent
Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in England has received formal planning permission for a new urgent treatment centre, a project to be undertaken by family-owned Robertson Construction North East. This development is part of Newcastle Hospitals' capital works programme and will be executed through the ProCure23 (P23) healthcare framework. P23 is the fourth generation of National Health Service (NHS) England's procurement framework for design and construction services for NHS capital projects. The new purpose-built facility is expected to enhance the capacity and resources at the site for treating minor but urgent conditions. The contract is an extension of Robertson Construction's ongoing relationship with Newcastle Hospitals, following the completion of the Freeman Hospital Day Treatment Centre. Preliminary work on the new centre has commenced, aiming to provide an environment distinct from major emergency care. The project will feature a new reception, dedicated waiting areas for different service pathways, modern clinical spaces, and a layout designed to improve patient flow and lower waiting times. Robertson Construction North East regional managing director Neil Kennedy said: 'Our longstanding relationship with Newcastle Hospitals is built on trust, experience and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare facilities. 'With planning now approved, we look forward to continuing this strong partnership with the successful delivery of this project.' Newcastle Hospitals acting CEO Rob Harrison said: 'We're delighted to get the go-ahead from Newcastle City Council for our new urgent treatment centre. 'As a purpose-built addition to our RVI site, the centre will provide a dedicated and modern facility for people who need help with an urgent health need which cannot wait or be treated at home. 'Patients will be able to see the right person to meet their needs, through the centre's team of doctors, nurses, therapists and other healthcare staff.' Earlier in February this year, the Clackmannanshire well-being hub and school project in Alloa, Scotland, secured full planning approval, with Robertson Construction Central East hired as the contractor. This development will offer improved community facilities and a school catering to children with additional needs. "Newcastle's new urgent treatment facility secures planning consent" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
