Summary report - National consultations about the harmonisation of disability parking permit schemes in Australia initiative 

Time limits and extensions currently differ across jurisdictions for disability parking permit holders in on-street parking and in some local government off-street parking spaces. National minimum standards for disability parking permit concessions were therefore proposed for permit holders in all states and territories.

Permit holders may park in reserved parking spaces displaying the International Symbol of Access (ISA).

The following concessions would apply in other parking spaces.

Concession 1: If the parking sign is up to and including 30 minutes – up to one hour.

261 comments were made in 39 per cent of submissions and highlighted the following issues:

• increase the time, however, a suggested time was not specified (78 per cent of comments);
• increase the minimum to 90 minutes (2 per cent of comments);
• increase the minimum to 2 hours (10 per cent of comments); and
• increase the minimum to more than 2 hours (10 per cent of comments).

These 261 comments also identified that there needs to be:

• more time for minimum concessions to allow for the loading/unloading of vehicles;
• time for people who need rest stops; and
• more time to ensure that permit holders can get to their destination and back and this may be in environments that are not easy to access.

Concession 2:   If the parking sign is more than 30 minutes – twice the time limit.

265 comments were made in 39 per cent of submissions and highlighted the following issues:

• increase the time, however a suggested time was not specified (67 per cent of comments);
• increase the minimum to 2 hours (5 per cent of comments);
• have unlimited time/all day parking (28 per cent of comments); and
• there should be all day free parking (18 per cent of comments).

Concession 3:   Parking meters – after the maximum period indicated on the meter has been reached, the time limits in points 1 and 2 apply.

Points 1 and 2 relate to territory and/or local government operated parking areas.

368 comments were made in 39 per cent of submissions and highlighted the following issues:

• permit holders should not pay (35 per cent of comments);
• this concession should be removed (4 per cent of comments);
•  parking meters are sometimes inaccessible (7 per cent of comments);
• the concessions that currently exist should be maintained (13 per cent of comments); and
• there should be all day free parking (20 per cent of comments).

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Overall statements about proposed parking concessions

There is a need for consistent parking concessions across Australia.

The proposed concessions are clear and easy to understand.

The proposed concession of twice the time limit on the parking sign will adequately meet the needs of permit holders.

The proposed ticket/meter parking concession where the time extension occurs after the maximum time limit is reached is fair and reasonable.