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                    Parking permits for people with disabilities

                    Parking sign.
                    Find out information on eligibility, conditions and how to apply for parking permits for people with disabilities, available to City of Melbourne residents, organisations, and people requiring frequent access to the city.

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                    Better parking in your neighbourhood
                    As we deliver our Parking and Kerbside Management Plan, we’re reviewing and revising the parking in all neighbourhoods across the City of Melbourne to make parking simpler and fairer. Improvements include cheaper rates for off-peak times, plus reviewing and repositioning accessible parking spaces to improve location and accessibility. Find out more at better parking.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Parking permits are available for:

                    ​​Parking Permit for People with Disabilit​ies

                    VicRoads has introduced a new Accessible Parking Permit Scheme and online administration system to better align with the Australian Disability Parking Permit Scheme.

                    From 22 March 2021, the City of Melbourne is transitioning to the new scheme which will streamline the application process, making it easier, simpler and consistent across Victoria. Residents and organisations who would like to apply for a new a parking permit for people with disabilities or renew their permit will need to apply via the new online application system. These permits are available for drivers or passengers with a permanent or temporary disability and are recognised in other states.

                    If you currently hold a Disability Parking Permit (DPP), this remains valid until its expiry date. You are not required to do anything until it’s time to renew your existing permit.

                    There is no fee for this permit.

                    Please note: From 1 July 2021, all new applications must be submitted via the new online application. City of Melbourne will no longer accept the old paper based forms.​​​​

                    How to apply

                    You can start the application process by visiting accesibleparking.vic.gov.au. You will need to provide your mobile phone number to apply or renew a permit.

                    1. Start your application online at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au 
                    2. You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS
                    3. Take your reference number to your General Practitioner (GP) or Occupational Therapist (OT)
                    4. Your GP or OT will complete an online assessment and submit your application
                    5. Your local council will review the application
                    6. If your application is successful, you’ll receive your permit in the mail.

                    Post:
                    A paper-based version of the application is available if you don’t have access to a mobile phone or the internet. Please visit us at Melbourne Town Hall to collect a hardcopy form or contact us on 9658 9658 and we can arrange to post one out to you.

                    In person:
                    Melbourne Town Hall
                    Administration Building
                    120 Swanston Street, Melbourne
                    Business hours, Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded).

                    Infographic outlining steps taken to apply for an Accessible Parking Permit.  

                    Permit types and eligibility under the Accessible Permit Scheme

                    There are three new permit types with varying parking concessions based on the applicant’s need for assistance. They are:

                    • Australian Disability Parking (ADP) Permit for individuals
                    • Double Time (DT) Permit for individuals
                    • Australian Disability Parking (ADP) Permits for organisations.

                    The different permit types, eligibility requirements and Condition of Issue and Use are explained in detail on the VicRoads website.

                    A Permit does not allow you to:

                    • park in restricted locations such as Clearways, No Stopping or No Parking Areas, Taxi Only Areas, Bus Zones, and Authorised Resident Areas
                    • park for free in areas where parking fees apply.

                    The decision to issue a permit, as well as the permit type, is based on a doctor’s assessment. The doctor must complete a questionnaire regarding the applicant’s requirements, including:

                    • the need for rest breaks when walking
                    • any extra space required when accessing a vehicle
                    • the use of any mobility aids
                    • other issues that may cause a danger to the applicant.

                    Any unsuccessful applications will be reassessed if the applicant has sought a second opinion from another medical practitioner.

                    A driver or passenger may be eligible for a temporary permit if they have a significant ambulatory disability that is not permanent, but is not likely to improve within six months.

                    Key conditions of issue and use

                    • The permit must only be displayed when the vehicle is being used to transport the permit holder.
                    • The permit must be securely displayed so all details remain clearly visible through the passenger side of the front windscreen throughout the duration of parking.
                    • Parking conditions and payment requirements can differ from one local council to another and a permit holder should always check the applicable parking signs.
                    • Parking is not permitted in restricted locations (indicated by red signs) such as clearways, loading zones, no stopping, taxi only areas, bus zones and residential permit zones.
                    • When selecting parking, permit holders must ensure a sign for a restricted parking area will not apply for any part of their intended stay. Any time allowed by a permit stops when a red sign starts.
                    • Failure to adhere to the permit’s conditions of issue and use, regardless of entitlement to the permit, may result in the permit holder incurring a parking infringement notice.

                    Parking allowances for Australian Disability Parking (ADP) Permit for individuals

                    Example of an ADP Permit:

                    ADP permit.

                    An ADP permit holder may park a vehicle in a parking bay reserved for people with disabilities for the specified time limit only. This means an ADP permit holder must not park continuously in a parking area for people with disabilities for longer than the period indicated on the sign.

                    Examples of parking signs indicating that the parking bay is reserved for ADP permit holders:
                    Two types of parking signs with a green 'P' and indicating disabled only

                    An ADP permit holder may also park a vehicle in any regular parking bay or area (to which a green permissive parking sign applies) for double the period indicated on the sign.

                    Example of a permissive parking sign:
                    A sign that reads 'Parking 1P' with '1P' in green text

                    When electing to park for double the time shown on a permissive parking sign in the City of Melbourne, ADP permit holders are:

                    • required to pay the initial parking fee in meter areas, unless stated on the parking meter
                    • exempt from paying the initial parking fee in areas requiring a ticket to be purchased.

                    For parking payment requirements in other municipalities, the City of Melbourne recommends permit holders check parking fees and requirements with the relevant council.

                    Parking allowances for Double Time (DT) Permits for individuals

                    Example of a DT permit:

                    DT permit. 

                    A DT permit holder may park a vehicle in any regular parking bay or area (to which a green permissive parking sign applies) for double the period indicated on the sign.

                    Example of a permissive parking sign:
                    A sign that reads 'Parking 1P' with '1P' in green text

                    When electing to park for double the time shown on a permissive parking sign in the City of Melbourne, DT permit holders are required to pay the initial parking fee. For example in a 1P (one hour) meter or ticket parking area, DT permit holders may park continuously for two hours, provided payment is made for the first hour.

                    A DT permit does not allow the permit holder to park in an area reserved only for people with disabilities. These parking areas are designated for category one permit holders only.

                    Examples of parking signs indicating that the parking bay is reserved for ADP permit holders:
                    Two types of parking signs with a green 'P' and indicating disabled only

                    For parking payment requirements in other municipalities, the City of Melbourne recommends permit holders check parking fees and requirements with the relevant council.

                    Permit expiry and renewal

                    Permits are not automatically renewed. A new application (including a medical check performed by a GP or OT) must be completed before a new permit will be issued.

                    ​ADP Organisation Permit for People with Disabilities

                    Organisations based within the City of Melbourne that transport people with disabilities may apply for an ADP Organisation Permit for People with Disabilities.

                    How to apply

                    You can start the application process by visiting accesibleparking.vic.gov.au. You will need to provide your mobile phone number to apply or renew a permit.

                    1. Start your application online at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au.
                    2. You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS and email.
                    3. Your application will be assessed to determine if you quality for a permit.
                    4. If your application is successful, we will finalise your application and you’ll pick up your permit at the council.

                    Infographic outlinging steps to apply for an accessible parking permit for organisations. 


                    Post:
                    A paper-based version of the application is available if you don’t have access to a mobile phone or the internet. Please visit us at Melbourne Town Hall to collect a hardcopy form or contact us on 9658 9658 and we can arrange to post one out to you.

                    In person:
                    Melbourne Town Hall
                    Administration Building
                    120 Swanston Street, Melbourne
                    Business hours, Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded)

                    Permit expiry and renewal

                    Permits are not automatically renewed. A new application (including a medical check performed by a GP or OT) must be completed before a new permit will be issued.

                    Eligibility

                    To be eligible, the organisation must be recognised by City of Melbourne as providing a transport service for people with significant mobility, or cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairments. The full eligibility requirements are outlined in detail on the VicRoads website including the permit’s conditions of issue and use.

                    General information on using the permit

                    The permit must only be displayed when transporting people with significant mobility or cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairment.

                    An ADP organisation permit holder may park a vehicle in a parking bay reserved for people with disabilities for the specified time limit only. This means an ADP permit holder must not park continuously in a parking area for people with disabilities for longer than the period indicated on the sign.

                    Examples of parking signs indicating that the parking bay is reserved for ADP permit holders:
                    Two types of parking signs with a green 'P' and indicating disabled only

                    An ADP organisation permit holder may also park a vehicle in any regular parking bay or area (to which a green permissive parking sign applies) for double the period indicated on the sign.

                    Example of a permissive parking sign:
                    A sign that reads 'Parking 1P' with '1P' in green text

                    For parking payment requirements in other municipalities, the City of Melbourne recommends permit holders check parking fees and requirements with the relevant council.

                    The permit must be displayed when transporting people with significant mobility or cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairment..

                    Replacement permits

                    ​Replacement for ADP and DT permit holders

                    Requests to replace your existing permits must be made by visiting accesibleparking.vic.gov.au. You will need to provide your mobile phone number to replace your permit.

                    1. Start your application online at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au.
                    2. You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS and email.
                    3. Your application will be reviewed.
                    4. If your application is successful, you’ll pick up the permit from your local council.

                    You will need to provide photo identification such as a driver’s licence, passport or Proof of Age Card when collecting the replacement permit.

                    Accessible parking permits individuals (replacement) process.

                    City Access Permit

                    A City Access Permit provides extra parking time for holders of a valid ADP permit for People with Disabilities to regularly attend work, study or specialist medical appointments in the City of Melbourne.

                    How to apply

                    You can either apply online or submit the completed application for by email, post or in person.

                    Apply online

                    Download the application form:

                    Post :
                    City of Melbourne Permits and Review Team
                    PO Box 488
                    Melbourne VIC 3001

                    In person:
                    Melbourne Town Hall
                    Administration Building
                    120 Swanston Street, Melbourne
                    Business hours, Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded).

                    Eligibility

                    To be eligible for a City Access Permit, applicants must hold a valid ADP permit issued in their name.

                    Applicants must also provide a letter on company letterhead from one of the following:

                    • their workplace located within the City of Melbourne confirming their employment
                    • their educational institution located within the City of Melbourne confirming their enrolment
                    • a medical specialist located within the City of Melbourne confirming their ongoing requirement for medical treatment within the City of Melbourne.

                    All supporting documents must be current and issued within the last three months of receipt. Supporting documents must be signed by an authorised person.​​

                    Applicants may nominate up to three vehicle registration numbers on the permit.

                    General information on using the permit

                    Provided it is valid and correctly displayed, the City Access Permit allows the holder to park in any regular parking bay or area (to which a green permissive parking sign applies) for the whole day.

                    Example of a permissive parking sign:
                    A sign that reads 'Parking 1P' with '1P' in green text

                    The City Access permit must be displayed in conjunction with an ADP or DT permit at all times. Both permits must be securely displayed so all details remain clearly visible through the passenger side of the front windscreen throughout the duration of parking.

                    The permit must only be displayed when the vehicle is being used to transport the permit holder.

                    The permit will show the registration number of the vehicle/s for which it is issued.

                    The permit does not allow the holder to park in an area reserved only for people with disabilities (these parking areas are designated for ADP permit holders to park for the amount of time specified on the sign only).

                    Examples of parking signs indicating that the parking bay is reserved for ADP permit holders:
                    Two types of parking signs with a green 'P' and indicating disabled only

                    Parking is not permitted in restricted locations (indicated by red signs) such as clearways, loading zones, no stopping, taxi only areas, bus zones and residential permit zones.

                    When selecting parking, permit holders must ensure a sign for a restricted parking area will not apply for any part of their intended stay. Any time allowed by a permit stops when a red sign starts.

                    Failure to adhere to the City Access Permit’s conditions of issue and use, regardless of entitlement to the permit, may result in the permit holder incurring a parking infringement notice.

                    Permit expiry and renewal

                    ​Please note that all City Access Permits expire on 28 February each year. Applications received within two months of this expiry will be issued for the following calendar year.

                    Replacement permits

                    If a permit is lost, stolen, damaged or you’ve changed your vehicle registration, the permit holder may request a replacement permit in writing to us at disabilityparking@melbourne.vic.gov.au. You’ll need to outline the reason/s for replacement and submit the required documents as follows:

                    For lost and stolen permits:

                    • Provide a copy of a police report. We take permit misuse very seriously and after receiving a police report, we’ll cancel your old permit immediately.

                    For damaged/unusable permits:

                    • Return the damaged permit to us via post or by visiting Melbourne Town Hall. We’ll wait to receive this before issuing your replacement permit.

                    If you’ve recently purchased a new car or changed your vehicle registration:

                    • Return the old permit to us via post or by visiting Melbourne Town Hall. We’ll wait to receive your old permit before issuing your replacement permit. The permit being replaced will be cancelled.
                    Town Hall Service Desk – open for appointments only

                    Collect your permit in person (currently via bookings only)

                    To make a booking, please contact us via Live Chat or call us on +61 3 9658 9658 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded).

                    Customer Service Centre at Melbourne Town Hall
                    120 Swanston Street, Melbourne
                    8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded).

                    Live chat embed code file

                    More information

                    ​Visit Parking for people with disabilities for information on accessible parking options and disabled parking bays. 

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