Digital parking permits quash car window application
Northern Beaches Council is moving all Beach Parking Permits to a digital system from today, eliminating the need for physical stickers.
Under the new system, residents will apply for, manage, and renew their Beach parking permits through a secure online portal called vPermit. Permits will be linked to registration details, allowing verification electronically.
Ratepayers accessing their two free permits will apply once every three years unless their circumstances change. Vehicle details can be updated easily online if permit holders change vehicles or they are stolen or written off.
Narrabeen ward councillor Kristyn Glanville said the move to digital permits would be a ‘positive change.’
“There will be a convenience factor and there will be a fairly substantial cost saving to council, because the cost of the digital system is a lot cheaper than printing and mailing a bunch of permits,” Cr Glanville said. There would also be a reduction in ‘pens’ for sale on Facebook, Cr Glanville highlighting the way Beaches residents circumnavigate the ‘no sale’ rule for permits by selling a ‘pen.’
“One big goal I’m hoping this achieves is de-commodifying the passes,” she added.
However, Cr Glanville said that, like any changes, there could be teething problems.
“For some people, maybe older residents, who aren’t online, it may be a challenge,” Cr Glanville surmised. “I’d really like to see us have resources in the libraries, because often our older residents don’t have a computer.”
The policy framework that governs the beach parking permit system remains unchanged. Each rateable property is eligible for two beach parking permits free of charge each year, and ratepayers who live at their property are also eligible to purchase an additional two permits.
Residents who rent are eligible to purchase up to two beach parking permits per property. Where a ratepayer is a landlord, it is expected that at least one of their permits will be provided to their tenant and council encouraged tenants to request it in their rental agreement.
The vPermit system will automatically verify applicant details and approve eligible permits immediately.
Instructional videos and information will be available on council’s website and extra face-to-face support will be provided at Dee Why’s Customer Service Centre, which will open extra hours on Saturdays, 9am to 1pm, throughout July.
Online permits are already in place for sections of Manly, the western foreshores, Church Point and other permit schemes in the northern part of the local government area.
Mayor Sue Heins said the introduction of digital permits reflected the council’s commitment to modern, user-friendly services that kept pace with community expectations.
“Moving the system online will improve efficiency, save ratepayers money, minimise misuse and reduce plastic waste,” Mayor Heins said. “The upgrade ensures locals can continue to enjoy convenient access to the beach, with a system that’s built for the future.”
The existing permit stickers are valid until 31 August. However, the new system will be open from 1 July to allow time for more than 208,000 permits to transition to the digital system.
“I encourage all eligible residents to jump online from 1 July to ensure they have their new permits in place before their current permits expire,” said Mayor Heins.
Visit the Northern Beaches Council website or contact Customer Service on 1300 434 434 for more details.