Parking sensors in the road detect when you enter and leave a parking space. Sensors are installed in every space where there are parking meters.
What you need to know:
- your time limit starts when you enter a space, not when you pay at the meter
- the parking meter will not accept payment past the time limit shown on the street sign
- and the meter zeroes itself when you leave the space. Meter payments are not transferable.
It’s your responsibility to adhere to the time restrictions on the signpost.
The sensors record accurate occupancy rate information, allowing us to adjust parking times for optimal use.
The system encourages parking turnover so everyone gets a chance to park. If you stay beyond the time on the sign, you risk a fine.
The sensors
A sensor is a small electronic device inserted into the ground that detects and records the time a vehicle enters and leaves a parking space.
This parking management system allows Council to monitor parking and collect information for planning purposes.
Parking obligations
Your obligations as a driver have not changed. You are only allowed to park for the time shown on the sign and are required to pay at the meter. The sensor system will stop two common motorist habits:
- You won’t be able to top up the meter and stay beyond the time allowed on the sign. The meter will not take another payment until your vehicle moves from the space.
- Your time will start from the moment your car enters the space, not at the time you pay at the meter. If you enter a 1P parking space at 9am and chat on the phone for 10 minutes before heading to the meter at 9.10am, you will only be able to pay until 10am, not 10.10am.
Paying for parking
The sensors haven’t changed how you pay. You should pay as soon as possible after you’ve arrived in the space.
Parking with mobility permits
This system has not changed the obligations or the rights of drivers with mobility permits. Parking officers always check the vehicle to see whether a parking offence has occurred.
A fair system
One of our core aims is to manage parking equitably. The demand for parking in the North Sydney Council area far exceeds supply. We receive many complaints from people who can’t get a park for essential activities, such as a medical or business appointments. We also get complaints from businesses whose customers can’t park because available parking is being used by commuters who take a prime space and top up the meter throughout the day.
Fines
Council rosters parking officers across the Council area to ensure that parking is enforced fairly. This will not change. While parking officers have access to the information recorded by the sensors when they are working in a metered area, they always check to see whether a parking offence has occurred before issuing a fine.