The parking rules in Victoria have raised a lot of opposition amid the introduction of paid residential parking permits by the Stonnington City Council in all the suburbs of Melbourne. Under the digital system, residents who are free to park anywhere they want in their homes are required to pay yearly fees.
The transition occurred on January 1 and moved households to a multi-level pricing scheme, raising costs on multi-vehicle households. The policy places further pressure on many residents who claim it is already experiencing a cost-of-living squeeze.
Frustration in the community has been increasing at high rates, and a petition that requires revisions is gaining strong support. Locals claim street parking is something that must be a part of the core services of the council, which should be financed by rates.
The policy has also brought concerns of accessibility for the ageing population and the culturally diverse households.
Melbourne residents oppose paid parking policies under Victoria’s parking policies. [RAVC]
What Do Victoria Parking Regulations Mean For Households?
According to Victoria parking rules, Stonnington Council parking permits are currently being charged on an annual basis instead of being provided on a free physical pass. One permit is charged at 60 dollars annually.
A second permit costs $90. A third permit costs $100. Homes with three permits incur an annual expense of 250USD. The visitor passes are priced at 120 per year. One-off event charges are 6.70 per vehicle.
Half-price concessions are given to qualifying residents. The council adds that the digital system enhances efficiency and is in line with other similar councils in the metropolitan area. The residents claim that the change causes them to experience financial pressure without any assurance of being able to find a parking place.
Families also have to park on the street because of the scarcity of driveways. The policy directly influences the dense residential areas with a great number of vehicles.
Why Are Residents Questioning Consultation Processes?
According to residents, they got to know about the policy only after it was implemented. Some of them are unable to remember that they were communicated with formally before the rollout.
Council officials said that there were two consultation periods between May and July 2025. The advertisements were left in online advertisement opportunities and on council channels. More than 30 responses were noted.
The majority of the answers were against paid permits. Raising household costs and a shortage of parking spaces were the issues of concern. Critics say that digital consultation stops older residents and those who cannot speak English.
According to the locals, the meaningful engagement should involve mailed notices and community forums. The transparency is still the topic of the discussion regarding Council parking fees in Stonnington.
Residents are concerned by permit consultation which is posted on boards around the community. [ABC]
How Are Stonnington Council Parking Permits Impacting Daily Life?
Families that have to deal with carers, support workers or visitors are even more complex with the use of digital permits. In the past, it was possible to share physical permits between vehicles.
Electronic permits are currently connected to addresses and registration numbers. This becomes restrictive to the rotating vehicle households.
Certain residents fear that the carers would find it hard to park effectively on scheduled visits. The elderly residents are concerned with barriers to digital literacy. Multilingual families complain about using online portals.
Council It is suggested that information sessions in the library will offer guidance and support. Residents who are not able to use digital systems can be given physical permits.
Council Says Fees Support Sustainable Services
Representatives of the Council indicate that Council parking fees in Stonnington are used to pay the operational expenses and maintenance of infrastructure.
Authorities claim that the population has grown and created pressure on parking space yet there is a limited space. Financial reform has been precipitated by increasing the cost of service delivery and limited funding.
The council thinks that paid permits will lead to sustainability in the long run and fair distribution. The officials also emphasise that permit revenue and not general revenue is used to fund local services. The market intelligence on affordability and space is still to be reviewed.
Stonnington City Council’s online permit system, which is accessed by citizens. [Stonnington]
What Happens Next For Community Petition Efforts?
An online petition opposing the electronic permit system on Change.org has passed 2000 signatures. Organisers are planning to hand over the petition to the leaders of the councils after February 2.
Advocates want policy amendments and the enlargement of consultation. The citizens hope that the submission will result in a reevaluation of the Victoria parking laws in local councils.
Council representatives affirmed that they will make an official review and a response to the petition. Communities are still debating ways of ensuring that neighbourhoods are financially viable and accessible to residents.
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FAQs
Q1: What are Victoria’s parking regulations?
A1: They govern how councils manage street parking, permits, and fee structures across Victoria.
Q2: How much do Stonnington Council parking permits cost?
A2: Permits range from $60 to $250 annually, depending on vehicle numbers.
Q3: Why are residents opposing the changes?
A3: Residents cite financial pressure, limited consultation, and digital accessibility concerns.
Q4: Can residents still receive physical permits?
A4: Council may assess individual cases where digital access is not possible.
