Accessible Parking Permits are available for drivers or passengers with a disability and organisations that transport people with disabilities.
You can apply for a new permit, renew your existing permit or request a replacement permit through the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) website.
NOTE: Accessible Parking Permits are limited to one per eligible person.
Types of Accessible Parking Permits
There are two types of permits available under the Accessible Parking Permit Scheme:
- Australian Disability Parking Permit – you can park in a disabled person parking bay (blue bay) for the time displayed on the parking sign. You may park for twice the time displayed on the parking sign in any regular parking bay. You also do not need to pay for parking in Whitehorse municipality in any parking bay (NOTE: Free parking may not be available in another municipality or private ticketed parking area - you must check the sign).
- Victorian Double Time Accessible Parking Permit – only allows you to park in an ordinary parking bay for twice the time limit specified. (NOTE: Double Time Accessible Parking Permits do NOT allow you to park in a disabled person parking bay (blue bay)). You must pay for parking in Whitehorse municipality for the initial time period before you can stay for double that time e.g. you must pay for one hour in a 1P Ticketed parking bay and you get the second hour free. This arrangement ceases at the end of the parking restriction period or the end of that day. (NOTE: Free parking may not be available in another municipality or private ticketed parking area - you must check the sign).
Temporary Accessible Parking Permits
A short-term permit may be issued to someone who has an impairment expected to last longer than six months. It can be for 6, 12 or 24 months. The same full term permit application process applies for a temporary permit.
Organisational Parking Permit for People with Disabilities
Organisations that regularly transport people with disabilities can apply for a 12 month Australian Disability Parking Permit (for organisations). These permits are assigned to vehicles. The vehicle registration is on the permit.
When you apply, you will need to provide the following information about your organisation:
- What it does
- Why it needs the permits
- How many permits it needs
- The number of drivers and vehicles
- The organisation contact person.
You will need to provide Council with documented evidence when collecting your permits:
- Business registration(s)
- Proof the vehicles are registered to your business.
Note:
- Failure to provide the documentation will result in no permits being issued.
- Permits will not be mailed to your organisation. You must pick them up.
Accessible Parking Permit Eligibility
The decision to issue a permit and permit type, is based on a GP or occupational therapist functional assessment. Instructions on how to apply are available on the DTP website.
Where an Accessible Parking Permit Can Be Used
| Parking Location | Australian Disability Parking Permit | Victorian Double Time Accessible Parking Permits | Example Parking Signs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council disabled parking bay | May park for no longer than the period specified | Cannot park in the space |
|
| Regular Council parking bay | May park for double the period indicated on the sign | May park for double the period indicated on the sign |
|
| Parking bays in a Council ticketed area |
City of Whitehorse:
|
City of Whitehorse:
E.g. Pay for 1 hour but park for 2 hours |
|
| Other municipalities or private ticketed parking areas | Check parking fees and requirements with the relevant Council or business | Check parking fees and requirements with the relevant Council or business |
Note: Holding an Accessible Parking Permit does not guarantee that an appropriate parking space will be available for you to use at all times.
When an Accessible Parking Permit Can Be Used
You can only park using an accessible parking permit if the permit:
- Is displayed so the permit number, expiry date and QR Code are clearly visible from the exterior of the vehicle.
- Is only used while the permit owner is using the vehicle (as driver or a passenger).
- Has not expired.
Where an Accessible Parking Permit Can NOT Be Used
Accessible Parking Permits do not allow you to park in:
- No parking or no stopping/no parking areas including clearways during clearway times
- Permit areas such as bus stops, taxi ranks, loading zones and construction zones
- Authorised resident permit areas unless a valid residential parking permit is also displayed
- Prohibited areas such as across driveways, on centre reservations, nature strips and footways.
Accessible Parking Permit Conditions of Use
The following conditions apply to all Accessible Parking Permit categories:
- The permit may be attached to the vehicle by any method that does not obscure any of the permit details, including QR Code, or the vision of the driver when the vehicle is in motion
- The permit is valid until the end of the date of expiry, unless it is cancelled. It must not be expired
- The permit must not be transferred, reproduced, copied, defaced, altered or destroyed
- The details on the permit (e.g. permit number, QR Code, expiry date, people with disabilities symbol, registration number) must be legible and unaltered.
NOTE: The permit may be confiscated by an authorised officer and/or cancelled by council for misuse or breach of any of the Conditions of Use and you may also receive a parking fine.
Accessible Parking Permit Cost
Accessible Parking Permits are free of charge for eligible applicants.
Applying for, Renewing or Replacing an Accessible Parking Permit
Please complete the appropriate DTP online application form through the DTP Victorian Accessible Parking Permit Scheme website.
DTP have provided some online instructions to assist you with your application for a New Permit, Permit Renewal or Permit Replacement. You can also contact your GP or Occupational Therapist, or the Council Customer Service Centre for further assistance.