Northern Baches Council will move all Beach Parking Permits to a digital system from 1 July, eliminating the need for physical stickers, streamlining processes and reducing administrative overheads.

Under the new system, residents will apply for, manage, and renew their Beach Parking Permits through a secure online portal called vPermit. Permits will be linked to registration details, allowing verification electronically.

Ratepayers accessing their two free permits will apply once and not again for 3 years, unless their circumstances change. Vehicle details can be updated easily online if permit holders change vehicles or they are stolen or written off.

Existing physical Beach Parking Permit stickers are valid until 31 August however the new system will be open from 1 July to allow plenty of time for more than 208,000 permits to transition to the digital system.

Mayor Sue Heins said the introduction of digital permits reflects the Council’s commitment to modern, user-friendly services that keep pace with community expectations.

“Our community loves our beaches which makes the Beach Parking Permits one of the most valued benefits we offer ratepayers and residents,” Mayor Heins said.

“Moving the system online will improve efficiency, save ratepayers money, minimise misuse and reduce plastic waste.

“The upgrade ensures locals can continue to enjoy convenient access to the beach, with a system that’s built for the future.

“I encourage all eligible residents to jump online from 1 July to ensure they have their new permits in place before their current permits expire.”

The policy framework that governs the Beach Parking Permit system remains unchanged:

·         each rateable property is eligible for 2 Beach Parking Permits free of charge each year. Ratepayers who live at their property are also eligible to purchase an additional 2 permits

·         residents (non-ratepayers) are eligible to purchase up to 2 Beach Parking Permits per property

·         where a ratepayer is a landlord, it is expected that at least one of their permits will be provided to their tenant. Tenants are encouraged to request it in their rental agreement.

The vPermit system is set up to automatically verify applicant details and approve eligible permits immediately. Depending on their circumstances, applicants will need to have a valid email address, rates notice, car registration details and a NSW Driver Licence or other proof of address document.

How-to apply video, instructions and detailed FAQs are available on the Council website and additional face-to-face support will be provided at Dee Why’s Customer Service Centre, opening extra hours on Saturdays, 9am to 1pm, throughout the month of July.

The digitisation of the Beach Parking Permit follows the implementation of online permits for sections of Manly, the Western Foreshores, Church Point and other permit schemes in the northern part of the LGA.

For more information or to apply for a digital Beach Parking Permit, the community can visit the Northern Beaches Council website or contact Customer Service on 1300 434 434.