The Mobility Parking Scheme provides special parking conditions and concessions to eligible people with a disability. All Australian states and territories participate in the Australian Disability Parking Scheme, so you can use a valid and current permit Australia-wide.
Parking permits are issued with 3 to 5 years validity depending on your location and whether the disability is deemed permanent by the doctor certifying your form.
Once approved, you will be issued a licence-style card that includes the cardholder’s photograph and additional security features. When you apply for a Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) permit, you’ll also be issued an Australian Disability Parking Permit, there is no additional charge for this Australian permit. You need to insert your NSW/ACT permit card (licence-style card) into the Australian Disability Parking Permit (large purple card) and both must be displayed when parking.
Parking concessions
The parking concessions apply when the mobility parking permit is displayed in the vehicle that is being used to transport the individual to whom the card is issued. Parking concessions under the Mobility Parking Scheme are only offered at on-street and council-operated car parks. If you park in metered, coupon or ticket parking areas operated by councils, no charge applies. Car parks that operate behind boom gates are privately operated and no concessions will apply in these areas.
The MPS card also entitles a person with a disability to park in spaces marked with a symbol for people with disabilities. Parking concessions within council-operated spaces and streets include:
− When parking in metered, coupon or ticket parking areas, no charge is applied.
− Where parking is limited by a sign to over 30 minutes, the vehicle can park for an unlimited time.
− Where parking is limited by a sign to a maximum of 30 minutes, the vehicle can park for 2 hours.
− Where parking is limited by a sign to anything less than 30 minutes, the vehicle can park for a maximum of 30 minutes.
− At a 'No Parking' sign you may park for up to 5 minutes, the driver must remain within the vehicle or within 3 metres of the vehicle to drop off or pick up passengers or goods.
− MPS cards do not allow vehicles to stand or be parked between 'No Stopping' signs or on taxi stands or bus, loading, construction or truck zones or clearways.
To apply for a permit
Download and fill out the Mobility Parking Scheme application form NSW, ACT or NT or ask your MND Advisor for a copy. You can also get a copy of this form from any government service centre.
In NSW, you need to submit the form at a service centre and bring proof of identity and payment for the $44 fee (unless you qualify for a concession or free permit such as eligible pensioners). You will need a photograph for your permit, and you have the option of using an existing valid photo stored in the Roads and Maritime system or a new photograph can be taken.
The medical certificate section of the mobility parking application form needs to be completed by a legally qualified medical practitioner, such as your GP or neurologist, to confirm that you are medically eligible for the scheme. You must complete the first section of the application form in full before seeing your doctor. Your doctor then must complete Section 2 of the application form (Medical Certificate).
In NSW the medical information in this application will be used for the administration of the mobility parking permit and, where appropriate, for the Driver Licensing Scheme. Roads and Maritime has a
responsibility to ensure that all NSW licence holders are medically fit to drive. If you hold a current driving licence and have not already notified Roads and Maritime of your MND diagnosis, then you will also need your doctor to complete Section 3 (Medical Report). The medical information provided will be used to verify your medical fitness to drive and you may also be asked to provide the driver licensing scheme with a medical assessment report.
If the medical practitioner recommends restrictions to your driver licence or certifies that you are medically unfit to drive, this may result in restrictions being placed on your driver’s licence or the suspension of your driver’s licence. If you agree to the restrictions, a condition will be added to your driver’s licence (R019) where appropriate and you will be asked to provide a General Medical Assessment Report. The General Medical Assessment Report form needs to be completed by your doctor and it must be returned within eight weeks. If you don’t return the form within eight weeks, your licence will be suspended.
Any further questions can be directed to:
- Roads and Maritime Services (NSW) ph. 13 22 13 between 7am-7pm Monday to Friday or visit: Mobility Parking Scheme - Using roads - Roads - Roads and Maritime Services (nsw.gov.au)
- Access Canberra (ACT) ph. 13 22 81 between 7am-8pm Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm Saturday and 9am-5pm Sunday or visit: Parking permits (act.gov.au)
- City of Darwin customer enquiries (NT) ph. 08 8930 0603 or visit: Australian Disability Parking Permits | City of Darwin | Darwin Council, Northern Territory