Calls for business parking permits Beaches-wide
Northern Beaches Council will investigate the feasibility of establishing a business parking permit scheme in suitable centres across the Beaches in areas outside of the Manly area, which is the only place where a similar scheme currently operates.
Pittwater councillor Mandeep Singh’s notice of motion was carried at the council meeting on 20 October with nine voting in favour and five against the motion.
Council voted to receive a report on potential demand and suitable locations for a business permit parking scheme, along with eligibility criteria and permit conditions, financial implications and possible impacts on parking availability.
The report will also include the benefits and risks associated with any expansion of business parking permits and whether a trial program is warranted.
Cr Singh told PL that local business owners were struggling to find parking, often having to move their vehicles every two hours, and were regularly receiving parking fines for going over the permitted duration. He said that Transport for NSW collected about $5,000 in fines from the Mona Vale area in the 2024/25 financial year, compared to about $3,000 in the Manly area.
“We already have a scheme in Manly. Why can we not implement it in other parts of the Northern Beaches?” Mr Singh asked. “We need to support small business.”
“I’m not seeking anything for free from council and each business owner is happy to pay for the right to park.”
Currently, an eligible registered business in Manly can apply – and pay $259 per annum – for one business parking permit for its relevant permit scheme area. The permit gives business owners exemption from parking time limits and parking fees in designated areas.
At the meeting, some councillors raised concerns about the possible loss of parking-space turnover for customer use. Pittwater Greens councillor Miranda Korzy suggested that people should walk, ride or take public transport to work.
Narrabeen councillor Vincent De Luca, who supported the motion, said the bus system was ‘not reliable in some areas.’ Cr De Luca said he had been approached by business owners in Dee Why and Collaroy who would like a permit scheme like the one in Manly.
Mr Singh would like to see a similar scheme for businesses in Mona Vale, Newport, Avalon, Narrabeen, Warriewood, Dee Why, Brookvale, Collaroy and other local centres.
The motion states that the scheme could be trialled in locations where there is a ‘demonstrated business need and sufficient parking capacity’ before expanding the scheme to other locations.
“Small businesses are not only important in one part of our local government area,” Mr Singh stated in the motion.
“From Manly to Palm Beach and across the Northern Beaches, our local businesses create jobs, support families and help make our communities successful.”
“It is asking council to investigate a fair, practical and responsible approach across the Northern Beaches.”
Pittwater Business vice president Graham Christie told PL that the organisation welcomed the review.
“Pittwater Business welcomes the review of extending business parking permits, similar to those available in Manly, to other major town centres across the Northern Beaches,” Mr Christie said.
“Small and medium-sized businesses face significant pressures, including rising operating costs, compliance requirements and premises and leasing expenses. These pressures are particularly acute in retail and hospitality.”
Mr Christie said the scheme would be beneficial to the local business community, but it would need to take a balanced approach.
“Giving business owners the option to purchase a business parking permit would help reduce parking-related disruption and allow them to focus on running their businesses,” he said.
“However, every town centre has different needs and parking constraints. Any scheme should be tailored to local conditions, striking a balance between supporting business owners and maintaining convenient parking for their customers and the wider public.”
