Step by Step instructions
Step 1: Tap screen or silver button to start
Step 2: Enter your registration number and press enter
Step 3: Select the payment method credit card or cash
Step 4: Select the amount to pay and the time you want - follow the on screen instructions
Step 5: Scan the QR code to get your receipt (if required)
The majority of parking bays in the central activity district of Horsham are 2P metered (2 hour limit, meter payment required). This allows for more flexibility over a 1 hour limit, while still encouraging movement of shoppers throughout the central activity district.
Other parking includes 30 minute short-term bays that are unmetered, and various off street carparks (see long vehicle and off street parking above).
Be sure to check the parking sign covering the bay you have parked in to see what restrictions and requirements apply.
- Meters can be operated by coin, card (tap & go) or the Blinkay phone app
- When paying for parking via the Blinkay phone app, you do not need to go to the meter at all. Select how long you will be parked for, adjust it up if you need to stay longer or tap stop if you finish early.
- Charges are based on the length of time you stay in that zone, NOT the individual bay you have parked in (see zone map above).
- Enter your vehicle registration number into the meter or the phone app.
- No paper tickets required for the dash board of your car, payment is checked via your registration number.
- When using coin or card at the meter you pay for a set time in advance (sorry no refunds).
Parking meter fees:
- $1.50 per hour
- $0.10 cent increments for 4 minutes
- Maximum of $3.00 (2 hours) per zone (see zone map above).
Background information
At the Council meeting held on 22 August 2022, Council approved the contract for the supply and installation and five-year maintenance contract for the replacement of the parking meter system in Horsham's CBD.
The cost of the supply and installation of 60 new parking meters by contractor Peritus is $541,859. This is being funded from the CBD Reserve.
The additional cost of a 5 year contract for background software licences, ongoing integration with Council's corporate software system and maintenance is $193,500 or $38,700 per year (plus annual CPI increases). There is an allowance for this in the annual operations budget.
Completed traffic engineering studies have recommended that paid parking is effective and efficient in managing priority parking spaces within the CBD to enable movement of shoppers, ultimately increasing foot traffic to our local businesses
Sixty modern parking meters are currently being installed to replace 361 old meters, some of which date back to the 1960s. The old meters have reached the end of their serviceable life, with repair parts unavailable.
The upgrade of meters will complement Council's Parking Management Plan (also to be implemented in February/March 2023) which includes:
Consolidating one-hour (1P) car parks into two-hour parking. This will allow more flexibility while still encouraging movement of shoppers throughout the central activity district
Consolidating short-term parking (10, 15, 20 minutes) into a single 30-minute short term parking time frame.
Victoria has transitioned to the new Accessible Parking Permit Scheme and online administration system.
Residents and organisations who require an accessible parking permit, or need to renew or replace a permit, will need to apply with the new application process.
The new scheme will streamline the application process, making it easier, simpler and consistent across the state. The new permit will also better align with the COAG 2010 Australian Disability Parking Permit Scheme (ADPS).
Types of accessible parking permits & what they allow
There are two (2) types of individual permits. Both permits are still required to obey signed metered payments (if applicable), however if parked in a standard space you may stay for double the amount of time you have paid for.
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Australian Disability Parking (ADP) Permit
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Victorian Double Time Permit
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An ADP permit can be used Australia-wide, and allows the permit holder to:
- Park a vehicle in an accessible parking bay for the time displayed on the sign, or
- Park in a standard parking bay for double the time displayed on the parking sign.
ADP permits for individuals are issued as either short-term or long-term permits depending on the nature of the permit holder's medical condition or disability.
You may be eligible for an ADP permit if a GP or occupational therapist assesses you and determines that:
- You have a significant mobility impairment that requires you to use a mobility aid or device and a standard parking bay isn’t big enough to allow you access to and from a vehicle, or
- You have an acute or chronic medical condition such that minimal walking (up to 100 metres) causes you to stop several times because of pain, extreme fatigue or imbalance which may endanger your health acutely in the long term, or
- Because of a significant cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairment you can’t safely walk without the continuous support of a carer or support person.
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A DT permit allows the permit holder, as the driver or passenger, to park in a standard parking bay for double the time on the parking sign.
DT permits are unique to Victoria and aren’t recognised interstate.
You may be eligible for a DT permit if a GP or occupational therapist assesses you and determines that you have a significant mobility impairment or illness which:
- Affects your ability to walk more than 100 metres, and
- Means that you need regular rest breaks while walking.
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Improvements to the scheme
• Introduction of temporary permits for 6, 12 or 24 months
• Increased permit length, from 3 years to 5 years for individuals
• Introduction of a permanent disability classification, so reassessments are not required for some people’s future permit renewals
• A new single and secure state-wide permit design that will reduce the misuse of permits
• The inclusion of occupational therapists as assessors, in addition to GPs
• Double Time (green permits) and permits for organisations will continue under the new scheme.
How to apply
Individual applicant – renewing or applying for a new permit
1. Start your application online at www.accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
2. You will receive an application reference number via SMS*
3. Take your reference number to your GP or occupational therapist
4. Your GP or occupational therapist 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.
*A paper-based version of the application is available if you don’t have access to a mobile phone or the internet. Please contact our customer service centre if you require a paper form.
Replacing an existing permit
1. Start your replacement application online at www.accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
2. You’ll receive a replacement application reference number via SMS and email
3. Your local council will review the application
4. If your application is successful, you’ll pick up the permit from your council.
FAQs
The Application Process
How do I apply for a disability permit?
Parking permit applications are now managed via an online process on the Accessible Parking Permit website at www.accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
1. Start your application online at www.accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
2. You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS*
3. Take your reference number to your GP or occupational therapist
4. Your GP or occupational therapist 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.
If your application is unsuccessful you’ll receive a letter explaining why your application was declined.
*A paper-based version of the application is available if you don’t have access to a mobile phone or the internet. Please contact our customer service centre if you require a paper form.
Can I pick up the permit from the council?
Yes. When completing your application, you can choose to pick up your permit from our council customer service centre.
How long does it take to get a permit?
Once your application is approved, your permit will arrive in the mail in approximately seven – 10 business days. These times may vary depending on Australia Post demand.
What if I don’t have internet access or physically can’t complete the online application?
Your carer, family, a friend, GP or council customer service staff can help you if you require assistance or have no internet access.
Can I use a paper form instead?
A paper-based version of the application is available for people with no access to mobile phones or the internet. However, the online process provides a faster outcome. A paper application is available from our council customer service centre.
Can I or my GP use old application forms to apply for a permit?
No. As part of disability parking scheme update, clearer assessment questions were developed in consultation with medical practitioners, to allow GPs and occupational therapists to assess mobility issues against the criteria. Some questions on old forms are no longer valid and do not align with the new scheme’s requirements.
Dispute Resolution
I didn’t get a permit because I didn’t meet the eligibility criteria
If you believe your GP or occupational therapist has incorrectly assessed your mobility issue or medical condition, you may seek a second opinion from a different GP or occupational therapist.
This is done by starting a new application, with the functional assessment undertaken by a different medical practitioner.
I received a double time permit when I wanted an Australian Disability Parking Permit
Permit type is determined by criteria assessment and not someone’s personal preference or request. An applicant’s mobility issue is the sole determent of permit type.
It is important to remember that there is a hierarchy of needs within disability parking. People who require extra space to get out of a vehicle or whose medical condition restricts walking to less than 100m are given priority.
If you believe your GP or occupational therapist has incorrectly assessed your mobility issue or medical condition you may seek a second opinion from a different GP or occupational therapist.
This is done by starting a new application with the functional assessment undertaken by a different medical practitioner.
How do I dispute my disability parking permit outcome?
If you wish to dispute the eligibility criteria of the scheme or scheme operation you can request an explanation of the basis of the eligibility of the criteria and scheme operation from VicRoads. You can contact VicRoads at accessibleparking@roads.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 965 677.
Scheme Changes
Why was the scheme changed?
The Disability Parking Permit (DPP) Scheme in Victoria was last updated in 1995 and does not align with the national Australian Disability Parking Scheme.
The scheme was previously administered by each of the 79 different Victorian councils. Each council interpreted the scheme differently and had individual administration processes. That led to confusion within the community as well as the potential for inequitable outcomes for applicants and opportunity for the misuse of permits.
The updated scheme continues to be administered by the 79 Victorian councils, but the process for applying for and renewing permits is more streamlined.
The new Online Service provides community members with an easier application process and misuse of permits will be reduced, freeing up disability parking bays for the people who really need them.
What are the main differences with the new Scheme?
The Accessible Parking Permit project aims to streamline the permit application and renewal processes, clarify eligibility requirements, and introduce systems and tools to improve management of permits across Victoria.
Changes being made include:
• Permit holders who have been medically assessed as having an agreed permanent disability will no longer have to return to their medical practitioner for reassessment as part of the permit renewal process
• The permit duration will be increased from three years to five years for individuals (with non-temporary permits)
• The permit application and renewal processes will be streamlined with applications to be submitted through a new state-wide digitised system
• Permits will adhere to a standard, highly secure permit design rather than 79 variations which currently exist
• The name of the scheme will be changed from ‘Disabled Persons Parking Scheme’ to ‘Accessible Parking Permit Scheme’
The following features will be retained:
• Green Permits/Category 2 Permits will continue to allow a permit holder to park for twice the permissible time in an ordinary parking bay
• Those with significant intellectual disabilities are eligible for a permit.
Have the eligibility criteria changed?
The overarching eligibility criteria has not changed. However, the wording and the process by which a medical practitioner assesses a patient’s mobility or medical condition has changed.
Do I need to apply for a new permit?
You will need to apply for a new permit when your permit expires.
Can I keep using my existing permit?
Existing permits can be used until their expiry date.
Transitioning to the New Scheme
I was previously told I don’t need to see a GP – why do I need to see one now?
Permit applications were managed by 79 councils and this led to a range of variations in application processes and outcomes, including variations in process for people with permanent disabilities.
The Scheme has updated the questions GPs and OTs will use to asses eligibility against the scheme. Every applicant for a permit will need to be assessed at least once by a GP or OT using the new application process and criteria questions.
GPs and OTs will have the ability in this new assessment process to categorise someone as having a permanent disability. This will mean they will no longer require a functional assessment to renew their permit.
I was previously eligible for a permit, but was not after applying for a renewal. Why?
As part of disability parking scheme update, clearer assessment questions were developed in consultation with medical practitioners to allow GPs and OTs to assess mobility issues against the criteria.
This related to both space requirements to exit and enter vehicles and the impacts of walking distances may have on an applicant’s health. Previously questions were open to a broad interpretation.
They are now more aligned with assessing against the scheme criteria.
I used to have a blue permit. Now it’s green. Why is this?
The allocation of Reserved Bay (Blue) and Double Time (Green) permits is determined by outcomes of a mobility assessment.
As part of the disability parking scheme update, clearer assessment questions were developed in consultation with medical practitioners to allow GPs and OTs to assess mobility issues against the criteria. This related to both space requirements to exit and enter vehicles and the impacts of walking distances may have on an applicant’s health.
Based on this, the outcome of your application may result in you receiving a Green Double Time permit, rather than an Australian Disability Parking Permit (formerly known as the ‘blue permit’).
I am a parent of a disabled child, why can’t my partner and I have a permit for each car?
The conditions of use for an accessible parking permit only allow for an individual to hold one permit. Permits are assigned to individuals, not vehicles. This was also a condition of the old scheme.
It is recognised that this will create inconvenience and difficulties for some people who share responsibility for caring for someone with mobility issues.
However, this needed to be weighed against the potential for permit misuse that can occur if an individual can be issued with multiple permits.
Why can’t I get a permit on-the-spot anymore?
Permit administration, printing and distribution is now managed through one central process, which does not require a visit to your local council to process a form. Once your medical practitioner has undertaken your functional assessment it should take 10-15 days for your application outcome to arrive in the mail.
Why does my GP or OT not know the outcome of my assessment?
Your GP or OT will answer a range of questions that assess eligibility for a permit against the criteria. The answers to these questions determine your eligibility.
Prior to the assessment outcome being known, your local council will check your application against any know duplicate permits or previous cancelled permits. It is only after this assessment step is the outcome of your application determined and you are advised by mail.
Why can’t my GP or OT decide if I get a green or blue permit?
Permit type has always been determined by functional assessment against set criteria questions and not personal preference or request. GPs and OTs are required to answer criteria eligibility questions, the responses to which determine permit eligibility and permit type.
The Blinkay parking app is the quickest, easiest, cheapest and most convenient way to pay for parking. With no need to attend a meter at all, simply adjust your length of stay up or down directly from your phone at any time.
Download the app by clicking the link here https://Blinkay.com/app or visit the app store on your phone and search for Blinkay.
Parking in Horsham's CAD is split into two (2) zones. If paying at a meter, you can use ANY meter within the zone you are parked in, up to the 2 hour limit.
Once 2 hours is reached, you must change to the other zone, move to off-street parking or to an un-metered parking area for at least 30 minutes. After 30 minutes you will be able to pay for parking in the original zone again, for up to 2 hours.
- Zone 1 - North side of Roberts Avenue to Baillie Street
- Zone 2 - South side of Roberts Avenue to Hamilton Street
See below map showing both zones with a dot representing each of the sixty (60) meters.
If you fail to pay for parking and receive an infringement, Council may consider withdrawing the infringement but we require verifiable and independent supporting documentation that shows something unexpected has occurred.
Before lodging an appeal, below are some common scenarios to check if Council may or may not withdraw your infringement.
- The meter wasn't working and I couldn't pay
An infringement will not be withdrawn under these circumstances. Horsham parking is split into two (2) zones, parking can be paid for at ANY meter within the zone you are parked in (see zone parking above) or via the Blinkay app.
- I didn't know I had to pay for parking or I'm not local to Horsham.
An infringement will not be withdrawn under these circumstances. Every town or city has it's own rules and regulations, it is the requirement and responsibility of the vehicle driver to read, observe and obey any written instruction.
- This is my first infringement – can I get off with a warning?
An infringement will not be withdrawn under these circumstances. An honest mistake is not sufficient grounds for the fine to be withdrawn.
- My vehicle broke down
If your car broke down then you can apply for an infringement review, but you will need to supply supporting documentation such as a mechanics or towing or roadside assistance invoice to have your review considered.
- I parked in a No Stopping area for only a short period of time
An infringement will not be withdrawn under these circumstances. This includes stopping for any reason including dropping or picking up children from school.
- My parking permit was not displayed correctly
If at the time of the infringement you had a current parking permit then you can apply for an infringement review provided you have not received a warning previously. You will need to supply proof of your parking permit as supporting documentation to have your review considered.
- I didn’t understand or see the sign or understand the road rules
An infringement will not be withdrawn under these circumstances. There is an onus on a driver to understand the road rules.
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I was not the driver
An infringement will not be withdrawn under these circumstances, however, you must nominate another driver to have the infringement reissued to the correct person by completing the apply for an infringement review application.
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I was dealing with a medical emergency
If a medical emergency occurred you will need to supply an official letter from the hospital or doctor confirming you were involved in a medical emergency at the time the fine was issued then you can apply for an infringement review. We will not withdraw fines where medical appointments were delayed or took longer than expected unless it was a medical emergency.
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I can’t afford to pay this fine
An infringement will not be withdrawn under these circumstances, however, you may request a payment plan if you meet the criteria.
To have your infringement reviewed, please complete the Infringement review application form online. Click here
Alternatively, download and complete the Infringement review application form manually here and either:
- Post to Horsham Rural City Council, PO Box 511, Horsham Victoria 3402 or
- Drop the form in at the customer service desk at Horsham Civic Centre, 18 Roberts Avenue, Horsham.
Why new parking meters?
Our current meters are no longer manufactured and we are no longer able to source parts to repair. Council has moved to modern technology to allow different methods of payment including card tapping and an easy-to-use app.
Can I use coins in the new meters?
Yes. You will have multiple options in paying for your parking session - coins, tap card and app.
Vehicle registration numbers - what will mine be used for?
Accessing and using registration numbers for compliance purposes is a normal, legally-approved process. Any infringement must always list a registration number. The difference now is that we are linking the registration number with the payment technology to determine payment and overstay, rather than walking from car to car to observe such transactions. We will not be collecting or disclosing any of your personal information.
Displaying a paid ticket - why don't I need to do this?
The new system does not have display tickets. This minimises the inconvenience of returning to the car to display the ticket and creates less paper waste. All details are recorded electronically.
How do the zones work?
There are two zones in town. These are designed to create movement of parked vehicles in line with the timed zones and prevent people from monopolising parking.
You can only stay in a zone for two hours then you will not be able to top up in that zone until 30 minutes has passed. You must move to the other zone or off street or unmetered areas. You can move within a zone using different spots for as long as you have paid.
Pay for two hours move as many times in the zone as you like in that two hours. If you move to the next zone you need to pay again.
The Zones run - north side of Roberts Avenue to Baillie Street (top of town) Zone 1 and south side of Roberts Avenue to Hamilton Street (river end) Zone 2.
Where are the meters and zones? (Map)
Incorrect registration number - what if I enter mine wrong?
Our officers will use discretion in issuing fines where it appears a genuine mistake has been made. You can lodge an appeal to your infringement if you believe you should not have been fined.
Time left to park - how do I know how much time I have left?
If you paid using a parking meter, you can check how much time you have left by entering your number plate into any parking meter. If you paid using the app, you can check your remaining time on the app, and top up remotely.
How does this affect disability parking permits?
The good news is nothing has changed for those with disability parking permits.
Permit holders can park in disability car parks for free.
You can also park in metered parking spots for twice as long as the time you have paid for.
Our parking officers will still be on-foot checking for your permit.
How do infringement notices work?
As with the current system, with parking inspectors putting paper parking fines on cars, handing a ticket to the driver or infringements mailed out to the registered vehicle's address if there are adverse conditions for the parking fines to be placed on car windows.
How will people know they've been fined?
As per the current process, by either a ticket on the windscreen, a ticket handed to the driver or it posted to the registered vehicle's address.
Can I get a digital receipt for parking from the app and machine?
Yes, please scan QR code provided after paying for parking at meter and follow prompt when paying from app. Receipts will not be printed at parking machines.
Is there an account keeping fee for the Blinkay App?
Looking for long vehicle or off-street parking in the CBD?
Click here to download the long vehicle and off-street parking map.
The below document was developed to assist Council to understand the complexities of the current parking environment and provides recommendations to manage car parking efficiently and sustainably in the CAD.
Horsham Municipal Parking Strategy