Parking enforcement

We implement and enforce parking restrictions in the City of Moonee Valley.

Parking restrictions are implemented to:

• facilitate traffic flow
• protect residential parking
• maintain a turnover of vehicles in retail areas
• ensure safety, particularly in areas around schools

Parking fines are issued to vehicles that do not adhere to parking restrictions.

Improving the way we monitor parking use

In an effort to better manage parking in Moonee Valley, we have begun the process of installing new parking monitoring sensors, with the aim to have this completed by the end of July 2018. 

Sensors will be installed in business areas and select residential streets. 

These sensors will help you be able to see the available parking in your area via an app, and for Council to monitor the availability of parking spaces, collect useful data about parking trends, and assist our Parking Control officers to ensure parking restrictions in your street are followed.

The installation of these sensors does not impact on existing parking permits or parking restrictions.

Common questions about parking sensors

Why parking sensors?

As we move towards being a 'smart city’ we are taking the opportunity to provide remote parking availability via a parking app. You can download the generic Smart Parking app. A Moonee Valley branded app will be released in the coming months - a link to download the app will be made available on this web page.

The parking sensors are state-of-the-art and allow real time viewing of available parking. The sensors will also allow us to more efficiently and effectively monitor parking within Moonee Valley. 

Parking sensors have become the standard for monitoring parking spaces, collecting data and reporting on non-compliance.

Why are sensors being installed on residential streets?

Maintaining a healthy parking flow ensures everyone has a fair and equal opportunity to utilise Moonee Valley’s parking stock.

We often receives complaints from local residents regarding non-compliance with parking restrictions occurring in their streets. These sensors will help Parking Control officers to more effectively and efficiently monitor the use of our parking infrastructure, ensuring fairness and transparency. We will also use the sensors to monitor parking spaces, provide parking assistance and for collection of data.

Has Council previously used parking sensors?

Yes, we have has utilised parking sensors in the Moonee Ponds shopping district for a number of years.

Do other councils use parking sensors?

The use of sensors to monitor parking is now commonplace. Many nearby councils including City of Melbourne and Moreland City Council use smart technology for this purpose.

Do the sensors automatically issue fines?

The parking sensors do not automatically issue fines. The sensors alert Parking Officers when a vehicle has overstayed the restricted time period. Officers will then attend the scene, and manually issue the fine if the vehicle is indeed non-compliant. Importantly, the parking app will allow the person whose car is occupying the space to monitor their length of time parking, with the ability to set a reminder as the permitted parking duration is nearing end.

What information about me does the sensor capture?

The sensor does not capture any information about a driver or vehicle. If a vehicle is offending or overstaying a parking restriction, the sensor will alert the Parking Officer to attend the location to investigate any non-compliance.

What if I have a parking permit or temporary parking voucher?

If you have a parking permit or temporary parking voucher displayed, you will not be issued a fine in a permit zone. However, having a parking permit does not mean you are excused from complying with restricted parking.

Will there be any changes to existing parking restrictions as a result of these sensors?

No, restrictions will not be altered as a result of the implementation of the sensors.

How long do the parking sensors take to install?

The sensors take just approximately 6 minutes per bay. Once installed the bay is available to use straight away. We will be installing them in sections to minimise disruption.

How to pay a fine

Please note: If you do not pay a parking fine or take any action within 28 days after the date of issue, you may incur further costs.

Appealing a parking fine

If you are issued with a parking fine, you can apply to have the case reviewed.

All fines can only be reviewed once and your appeals will be reviewed on merit. For more information about appealing for parking fines, see the Infringements Act 2006.

We may consider withdrawing an infringement notice under the following circumstances:

• the driver had a medical emergency
• the vehicle has broken down

Supporting evidence is to be provided by the person or organisation that assisted you. Statutory declarations are not sufficient supporting evidence. Other unusual circumstances will be considered on merit.

The following are not considered valid reasons for the appeal of a parking fine notice:

• not seeing parking sign or reading only part of sign
• not noticing sign or restriction has changed
• not having change or leaving the vehicle to get coins to put in parking meters
• running late or being in a hurry
• being delayed at an appointment
• stopping for a short time in prohibited areas, for example stopping in a ‘no stopping’ area to pick up or drop off passengers or goods or to answer a mobile phone
• running out of petrol

Other factors:

• Faulty parking meters: If a faulty parking meter prevents you from making payment for parking, there must be a record of you reporting the machine as faulty. The infringement notice must be sent in with a record of the reference number issued on the date of the fault.
• Incorrectly issued notice: If a notice is, in Council’s opinion, technically incorrect it will be withdrawn.
• Extreme financial hardship: Drivers who are in a state of extreme financial hardship and have supporting documentation from a welfare agency can apply for a parking fine to be reviewed. Each case will be assessed on merit. Alternatively, you may request a payment extension from Council.
• Alternative driver: Responsibility for fines incurred by a vehicle ultimately rest with the vehicle owner. The owner must nominate the driver responsible for the vehicle within 28 days of the offence. This can be done by following the instructions on the back of the notice. The parking fine will be reissued to the nominated driver.
• Contesting the fine: Infringements must be appealed in writing to be reviewed, please use the attached form. Infringement notices can only be reviewed once. Most internal reviews will be completed within 14 days, however the process may take up to 90 days or longer if additional information is required.

How do I appeal a parking fine?

In writing:

The Appeals Officer
Parking Control and Local Laws Unit
Moonee Valley City Council
PO Box 126
Moonee Ponds 3039

Via email: council@mvcc.vic.gov.au

Please include the following details:

• Your name, address and phone number
• Registration number
• The infringement number
• Date of offence
• A detailed explanation
• Any supporting evidence

Process

The review usually takes up to 15 working days. However, it could take up to 90 days if we need more information. We will inform you of our decision in writing.

Court hearings

You can choose to have your case dealt with in the Magistrates' Court by notifying us in writing to the above address.