From Monday 22 March, Council’s disability parking permit system will move to a new online platform as part of a State-wide change.
The new Accessible Parking Permit (APP) Scheme will require all applications to be made online, streamlining the application process and significantly improving the administration of disability parking in Southern Grampians Shire.
The new APP Scheme aligns with the national Australian Disability Permit Scheme (ADPS) and provides for an easier and fairer system across Victoria, ensuring parks are available for those who need them most.
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, and
a new single permit design to be used across the state.
The double time (green permit) will remain under the new scheme, allowing people with limited mobility additional time to park for double the time in a regular parking space. The blue permit will allow people who’ve been assessed as needing additional space (such as wheelchair users), to park in a disability parking bay.
One of the most significant changes is that some permits will be valid for longer, meaning permit holders don’t need to reapply as often, and permit holders assessed as having a condition or disability that permanently affects their mobility will no longer have to visit a medical practitioner to renew their permit.
VicRoads has been working closely with medical professionals, disability advocacy groups and local councils for 18 months in the development of the new APP scheme.
All existing Southern Grampians Shire Council permits will remain valid until they expire.
For more information on the coming changes to disability parking visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/app or contact Council on 5573 0444.