Accessible Parking Permits
Recent Changes
Changes have been made to the Disability Parking Permit Scheme in Victoria, to better align with the Australian Disability Parking Permit Scheme.
VicRoads introduced the new scheme, known as the Accessible Parking Permit (APP) Scheme on 22 March 2021.
Council is now processing parking permit applications online as part of our adoption of the new state-wide APP Scheme.
Anyone living in the Greater Shepparton area that requires a new or replacement accessible parking permit must now follow the new application process. Old application forms will no longer be accepted from residents within the Greater Shepparton area as of 30 June 2021.
You will need to apply for a new permit when your current permit expires or by 30 June 2024, which ever date arrives first.
Types of Accessible Parking Permits
Three different parking permits are issued under the new APP Scheme:
- Australian Disability Parking (ADP) Permit
(formerly the Category 1 Blue disabled permit)
This allows the permit holder to park in a disabled bay for the specified time, or in any ordinary bay for twice the specified time. See the full conditions here. - Double Time (DT) Permit
(formerly the Category 2 Green Permit)
This allows the permit holder to park in any ordinary bay for twice the specified time (but not in disabled bays). See the full conditions here. - ADP Organisation Permit
(formerly Blue organisation permit)
For organisations that regularly transport people with disabilities.
How to Apply For or Renew a Permit
Permits for Individuals
To apply for a permit, renew an existing permit, or replace an existing permit, applicants should:
- Start an application online* at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
- The applicant will receive an application reference number via SMS
- GP or occupational therapist will complete an online assessment and submit the application.
- Local council will review the application
- If an application is successful, the applicant will receive their permit in the mail.
* Online applications are strongly encouraged, as will provide a faster outcome. Council's customer service staff are available to assist with this process if applicants are having trouble. A paper-based version of the application is also available for those who do not have access to a mobile phone or the internet.
Permits for Organisations
- Start your application online at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
- You will receive an application reference number via SMS and email
- Your local council will review the application
- If your application is successful, you’ll pick up your permit(s) at the council.
How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Permit
To replace your permit, applicants should:
- Start an application online* at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
- The applicant will receive an application reference number via SMS*
- Local council will review the application
- If an application is successful, the applicant will receive their permit in the mail.
* Online applications are strongly encouraged, as will provide a faster outcome. Council's customer service staff are available to assist with this process if applicants are having trouble. A paper-based version of the application is also available for those who do not have access to a mobile phone or the internet.
Information for General Practitioners and Occupational Therapists
- The applicant will start their application online* at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
- They will receive an application reference via SMS
- The applicant will provide you with their application reference
- You will then complete an online assessment and submit to council*
- Local council will review the application
- If the application is successful, the applicant will receive the permit in the mail.
* Online applications are strongly encouraged, as will provide a faster outcome. Council’s customer service staff are available to assist with this process if applicants are having trouble. A paper-based version of the application is also available for those who do not have access to a mobile phone or the internet.
How to Use Your Permit
A disabled parking permit must be displayed on the passenger side of the front windscreen, so that the permit number and expiry date can be seen from the outside.
Australian Disability Parking permit (formerly Category 1 Blue)
- Permit is to be used only by the person to whom it has been issued.
- Permit holder (driver/passenger) is entitled to park in a bay reserved for disabled motorists for the specified time only(if there is one ), or may park in any ordinary bay for twice the specified time
- Permit holder must leave the vehicle for the duration of the parking.
- The driver of a vehicle with a permit belonging to another person may only park in a disabled bay to pick up the person to whom the label belongs (max 15 mins).
- In the Greater Shepparton City Council municipality, the permit holder is not required to pay at any meters or ticket machines and is entitled to stay for twice the specified time (excluding the privately owned car park on the south-west corner of Vaughan & Maude Streets, the multi-deck car park and GV Health car park). However this may not be the case in other municipalities.
Double Time permit (formerly Category 2 Green)
- Permit holders are not permitted to park in disabled bays.
- Permit is to be used only by the person to whom it has been issues.
- Permit holder may park in any ordinary parking bay or area for twice the specified time limit, on payment of the initial parking fee.
Benefits of the new Accessible Parking Permits (APP) Scheme
The new APP Scheme and online service will provide significant improvements in the administration and enforcement of disability parking in the Greater Shepparton area, freeing up parking bays for the people who really need them.
Many improvements have been made, including:
- making sure the eligibility criteria for a permit is consistent across the state
- allowing occupational therapists to complete assessments, in addition to GPs
- introducing a permanent disability classification, so many will no longer have to return for reassessment
- increasing the permit length from three years to five years for individuals
- providing temporary permits for 6, 12 or 24 months
- a new single permit design to be used across the state.
Further Information
For more information on the changes to disability parking and the APP scheme visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/app
Accessible Parking Applicant & Medical Practitioner Help Portal https://accessibleparking.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/AMPHP/overview
Both Greater Shepparton City Council and VicRoads are here to help during the transition. If you need assistance with using the APP platform or have feedback on the changes, you can contact VicRoads on 1300 965 677 or email accessibleparking@roads.vic.gov.au
You can also contact our customer service team at Council on (03) 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au for assistance with your application.