In the leafy, bustling suburbs where the battle for a parking spot can feel like a competitive sport, a new trend is emerging that's causing quite the stir among residents and councils alike. The 'Cash on Pick-Up' scheme, a dodgy practice involving the sale of parking permits, is taking over affluent Australian neighborhoods, and it's not just about the extra pocket money—it's a symptom of a larger issue at play.

Parking permits, often issued free of charge to ratepayers, are becoming hot commodities in areas where street parking is as scarce as hen's teeth. In Sydney's Northern Beaches, for example, residents have taken to social media to sell their permits, cleverly disguised as 'fancy pens,' on a Facebook page dedicated to these questionable exchanges. With over 1,500 members and daily posts, the page is a hub for those looking to cash in on their council-issued permits.

The Northern Beaches Council is not turning a blind eye to this. They've acknowledged the issue and are investigating the implementation of a digital parking system. This new system would link permits to specific vehicle registration number plates, making it much harder for residents to sell their permits under the table.

Several daily posts from residents have been seen to sell parking permits under the guise of pens on social media. Credit: Facebook

Currently, Beach Parking Permits allow free parking at over 40 locations in the Northern Beaches, including coveted beachfront spots. Without a permit, parking fees can skyrocket, with costs at Manly Beach reaching up to $50.50 for five hours and Palm Beach around $40. It's no wonder that permits are being listed on Facebook for between $120 and $150—a small price to pay for a summer of hassle-free beach visits.

But it's not just a local issue. Last month, a similar situation was reported in Melbourne's Yarra City Council area, where a resident listed their visitor permit for a staggering $1,000. Local laws are clear: selling or transferring permits is not allowed, and doing so can result in hefty fines. In the Port Phillip Council area, for instance, misuse of a parking permit can attract a fine of up to $395.18.

The councils are not just sitting back and issuing warnings; they're actively planning to combat the problem. The Northern Beaches Council hopes that a digital parking system will eliminate the need for physical permits, thus putting an end to the trading. Any proposed updates to permit policies will be subject to public feedback, ensuring that the community has a say in the matter.

So, what does this mean for you, our savvy seniors? First and foremost, be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding parking permits in your area. If you're tempted by an offer to buy a 'fancy pen,' remember that you could be risking a significant fine. Moreover, if you're a permit holder, understand that selling your permit is not just against the rules—it undermines the fairness of the system for everyone.

We at the Seniors Discount Club urge you to stay informed and to participate in any public consultations regarding parking policies in your community. After all, fair access to parking is something that benefits us all, and it's important that we work together to ensure that the system is not abused.

Key Takeaways

• Parking permits are being misused in Sydney's Northern Beaches, with residents selling them on Facebook under the guise of 'fancy pens'.
• The Northern Beaches Council is aware of the practice and is investigating the introduction of a digital parking system to link permits with vehicle registration plates to combat the issue.
• Parking at popular beaches can be expensive, and permits are being listed for sale on social media at significant prices, ranging from $120 to $150.
• Similar issues have been reported in Melbourne, where the misuse of parking permits has prompted councils to remind residents that selling or transferring permits is an offence that can result in substantial fines.

Have you encountered the 'Cash on Pick-Up' scheme in your suburb? Or perhaps you've faced challenges with parking availability? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. Let's keep the conversation going and work towards solutions that keep our streets fair and accessible for everyone.

 

[Kevin. A.]

The cost of parking is a joke. This is nothing more than extortion under the guise of revenue raising, in my personal opinion only. I understand that the parking area is extremely limited at beaches and park facilities, and they have been built so everyone can enjoy these natural areas and not just a privileged few. Councils need some way of deterring people who try to take advantage of these facilities while others have to pay. However, I think the cost of parking is just out of control and in some cases very unreasonable.

 

[marni]

Living on the Northern Beaches when the parking stickers are attached to the rates notice. Timing if these in the letter box is well known, so there is the added problem if you do not have a lock on your letterbox. Big business