'Cash on pick up': Dodgy parking act taking over affluent Aussie suburbs
Residents are hoping to cash in on their beachside parking permits under the guise of 'fancy pens' on social media.
The misuse of parking permits in busy suburbs appears to be on the rise as residents resort to desperate measures in an apparent bid for extra cash. But the rising trend highlights another growing issue — limited street parking in popular, built-up areas.
But some residents in Sydney's Northern Beaches have gone as far as to flog their parking permits under the guise of "fancy pens" with a whole Facebook page dedicated to the questionable trades. The page, titled "Northern Beaches Fancy Pen Sales — and anything else", has more than 1,500 members and sees multiple posts daily from people attempting to sell their permits for cash.
The Northern Beaches Council told Yahoo News Australia it is "aware the parking permits were being traded on social media" and is "currently investigating the implementation of a digital parking system where permits will be linked to vehicle registration number plates" in an attempt to see the end of the selling of permits.
Currently, Beach Parking Permits are issued to ratepayers annually with their rates notice free of charge. Two permits are allowed per rateable property. It's understood residents displaying a Northern Beaches Council parking permit sticker have free parking at more than 40 Northern Beaches locations, including beachfront parking, where those without one could not access for free.
Residents listing beach parking permits for at least $120 on Facebook
Without the permit, parking at Manly Beach is said to cost around $50.50 for five hours while Palm Beach is roughly $40. Posts on Facebook are listing permits for sale for between $120 and $150.
One post on the page, seen by Yahoo, reads "very fancy pens for sale — $130 each. 6 permits available. Cash on pick up". In the photo attached to the post, the council permits are clearly visible with a pen sitting on top.
Another post containing a photo of a permit says "selling pen. $120 pick up on the lower north shore" — with dozens more like it.
When asked about it by Yahoo, the Northern Beaches Council confirmed "Beach Parking Permit owners must comply with the conditions of use as outlined on the reverse side of the permit sticker.
"Terms and Conditions include that permits must not be sold and cannot be transferred between vehicles, and where detected may lead to the cancellation of the permits."
Council plans to 'eliminate' parking permit issue
Council hopes the "implementation of a digital parking system will eliminate the need for physical permits which will help to overcome a range of challenges including the trading of permits".
"Any proposed updates to our permit policies will go on public exhibition for community feedback," they said.
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Parking permits being sold across the country
Last month, a similar issue was brought to the attention of a Melbourne council after a resident in Melbourne's Yarra City Council area reportedly listed their visitor permit for sale for the eye-watering price of $1000.
Under Yarra City Council local laws, a permit holder must not "sell or offer to sell, give away, lend or license" a parking permit, promoting a stern warning from council to residents reminding them "it's an offence to accept and use a permit if you are not the permit holder or a legitimate visitor."
Yarra City Council parking permits cost $54.50 for the first permit and $132 for the second permit.
"Infringements can be issued to those who have misused the permit and/or the permit holder," Heather Cunsolo, Mayor of the nearby Port Phillip Council told Drive adding the "misuse of residential parking permits" was on the rise in the area. These offences can carry a fine of $500.
In the Port Phillip Council area this infringement attracts 2.5 penalty units, and the value of a penalty unit is currently $197.59 — meaning a potential fine of up to $395.18.
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