Victorian Disabled Persons' Parking Scheme
Guidelines for Category One – Blue Permit
A statewide Disabled Persons' Parking Scheme currently operates in Victoria. The Scheme provides for permit categories with varying parking concessions, based on the applicant's need for assistance.
If you have a Blue Disabled Parking Permit you have what is called a category one permit.
A person with a blue, Category 1 disability parking permit is permitted to park in:
· An exclusive parking bay* and for fee payable (If applicable) shown on the parking sign.
· An ordinary parking bay for twice the time limit indicated on the parking sign upon payment of an initial parking fee, if applicable.
*An exclusive parking bay for people with disabilities is one with the international symbol displayed on a parking sign and /or as a road marking.
Parking is not permitted in restricted locations such as Clearways, No Standing and No Parking Areas, Taxi Only Areas, Bus Zones, Authorised Resident Areas etc.
Types Of Permits:
Each permit also displays a code. The codes are explained as follows:
Code A / for a driver / passenger who has a disability;Code B / for a passenger who has a disability;
Code C / for an organisation providing a transport service for people with disabilities;
Code D / for a temporary permit.
Temporary permits are available for persons disabled for a period of greater than 6 months.
Who is Eligible for a Category one permit?
A person is eligible for a permit:
· if a Medical Practitioner or Specialist Medical Practitioner indicates that the applicant has a significant ambulatory disability such that the applicant is required to use a complex walking aid that:
· prevents access to a vehicle in a standard sized parking bay; or
· the applicant cannot access a vehicle in a standard sized parking bay. (Code A or B)
OR
· if a Medical Practitioner or Specialist Medical Practitioner certifies that the applicant has either an acute or chronic illness in which minimal walking may endanger the applicant's health acutely or in the long term (Code A or B).
OR
· if a Medical Practitioner, Specialist Medical Practitioner or a Clinical Psychologist indicates that the applicant has either an acute or chronic illness or an intellectual disability and is an extreme danger to themself and others in a public place without continuous attendance by a caregiver (Code B).
Please note
· A person may only hold one disabled persons' parking permit.
· The permit label should be carried by the permit holder when he / she is not being transported in a vehicle. Permits must not be left on display when the vehicle is not engaged in the process of transporting a permit holder.
· A significant permanent ambulatory disability is a disability that is not likely to improve in the person's lifespan (CodeA or B).
· A significant long-term ambulatory disability is a disability that is not likely to improve within six months (Code D).
Permit Renewal
If you have a permanent disability you will be issued with a permit for 3 years. At the end of this period you must contact your local council who will inform you whether a new application is required to renew the permit. Temporary permits will be issued for a disability that is not likely to improve within six months and a new application form must be sent in for renewal of the permit.
Organisations will receive a permit for 12 months and must reapply on a new application form for a renewal.
You must return the permit if it:
· is renewed;
· expires;
· is found by someone other than the applicant;
· was issued to an applicant who has since passed away; or
· is no longer required,
The City of Boroondara requests the return of these permits. This assists the City of Boroondara in helping the environment by recycling old permits where ever possible. If you are unable to organise the return of the permit in person, please contact the City of Boroondara to discuss an alternative method of returning the no longer required permit.
Lost, Stolen, Damaged or Destroyed Permits
If your permit has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, a Statutory Declaration is required by Council before a permit may be replaced. All permits are the property of the City of Boroondara and should be returned to our Council if found.
Permit Cancellation
A permit is automatically cancelled after the expiry date and may be cancelled at any time for wilful misuse or breach of the Conditions of Use. Penalties may be imposed for misuse of the permit. Further information may be obtained by your local council.
Travelling Interstate
Permits are recognised elsewhere in Australia. Parking concessions may be different in other States and Territories and you should check the conditions applying to the Disabled Persons Parking Scheme in the State or Territory you intend to visit. For a brochure giving some details regarding interstate schemes, see Vic Roads Website. www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Reviewed Date 08/01/2013