Conditions of use

Permit purpose

The purpose of Smart Parking is to provide equitable access to public parking, with an aim of allowing locals to access all parts of Port Stephens Council (Council) area for free through our Park Free Permit. The Park Free Permits are an important part of Smart Parking that allows the identification of an authorised vehicle to occupy a paid parking space within the Smart Parking area without payment or any interaction with the parking meters.

Council offer various types of Park Free Permits to meet the varying needs of our community. The Park Free Permits and their eligibility are described below.

Permits eligibility

• Residential Ratepayer

To remain eligible for a Residential Ratepayer Park Free Permit, the applicant must own and reside at a property within the Port Stephens Local Government Area (LGA), and each vehicle must also be registered at a street address within the LGA.  Up to five (5) vehicles per property are permissible, excluding other eligible Park Free Permits.

Typical holders of this Permit type are people who own and occupy a property.

• Residential Tenants

To remain eligible for a Residential Tenant Park Free Permit, the applicant must reside at a leased property within the LGA and each vehicle nominated must also be registered at a street address within the LGA. Up to five (5) vehicles may be registered per property, excluding other eligible Park Free Permits.

Typical holders of this Permit type are people who lease a residential property or have a long term lease at a mobile home, manufactured home estate or similar.

• Non-Residential Ratepayer

To remain eligible for a Non-Residential Ratepayer Park Free Permit the applicant must be a property owner of a rateable property within the LGA and reside outside the LGA.  Up to two (2) vehicles may be registered per property, excluding other eligible Park Free Permits.

• Business Park Free Permits

To remain eligible for a Business Park Free Permit the business must be permanently located within one of the metered network precincts. The business is the applicant for this Permit type rather than individual employees.  Businesses are required to self-administer the list of employee licence plate details associated with the business.  Changes may be made as needed through the Park Free Permit Portal.

The following vehicle types are ineligible for Park Free Permits:

• Trailer or caravan;
• Vehicle or vehicle combination that exceeds 5.5 metres in length;
• Unregistered vehicles;  and
• Vehicles registered outside of NSW.

Limited exemptions apply to the criteria above and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

General conditions of use

It is acknowledged by the Park Free Permit Holder that:

• Any documents provided as part of the application process may be retained by Council for verification purposes for up to fourteen (14) days. The documents will be deleted after this time has elapsed.
• Vehicle registration plates must be current and clearly visible at all times.
• A valid Park Free Permit exempts a vehicle from parking fees. All other regulatory parking signage applies, specifically noting time based parking restriction signage.
• A Park Free Permit does not guarantee the availability of a parking space.
• A Park Free Permit Holder is responsible for maintaining the currency and accuracy of details associated with Park Free Permit.
• In the event of change of address, disposal of the vehicle or any change to the licence plates, Council must be notified within seven (7) days by the Permit Holder.
• Participation must conform with the Park Free Permit purpose of fair and equitable parking.
• Park Free Permits are only valid until the date of expiry specified.
• It is the responsibility of the Permit Holder to renew their Park Free Permit.
• A Park Free Permit may be revoked by Council should there be any breach of these terms and conditions.
• Council may withdraw/cancel Permits at its sole discretion.