Duncan Solutions & Bayside City Council: Parking Reimagined -Empowering Councils with Digital Transformation

November 29, 2024

At UbiCollaborate 2024, Duncan Solutions Australia joined forces with Bayside City Council to discuss how local governments have been embracing digital solutions to improve efficiency in managing parking permits. These systems eliminate the need for physical permits, simplifying the process for residents and enforcement officers. Their discussion at the event delved into this deeper.

The Digital Permit System: Simplified Applications and Fast Approvals

Bayside’s digital parking permit system allows residents to apply for permits without paper forms or in-person visits. Whether applying for residential parking or beach parking, residents can access the system online and submit their registration details. The system automatically verifies the vehicle registration and address, granting access to the appropriate permits.

For residential parking, residents can apply for multiple free permits based on their address. For beach parking, the system offers two permits, with the flexibility to change vehicle registrations as needed. One of the standout features is that the system updates within 15 minutes of a vehicle’s registration change, notifying enforcement officers in real time.

Flexibility for Families and Residents

The system also offers flexibility for households with multiple vehicles or family members living at different addresses. For example, if a family member needs a parking permit but lives in a different city, they can still apply on behalf of the resident.

In cases where a resident is a tenant, the verification process might take longer, but the system ensures that all necessary checks are made, and a response is typically given within 1-2 hours on business days. This feature ensures that the system remains efficient and reliable for different living situations.

Integration with VicRoads for Accurate Verification

One of the most impressive features of this system is its integration with VicRoads, the state’s road transport authority. This integration allows the system to automatically verify vehicle registration details against VicRoads data, ensuring only vehicles registered at the correct address are eligible for the corresponding permits. This seamless integration eliminates manual checks and provides a smooth experience for residents applying for parking permits.

Manual Review for Uncertain Cases

While the system automates much of the process, it also provides a safety net for edge cases. In situations where the system encounters discrepancies or cannot verify information, it flags the issue for manual review by council staff. This ensures that residents are not left in limbo due to technical errors. Council staff can override automated decisions, request additional documentation, or cancel permits in cases of fraudulent use. This human oversight ensures the integrity of the system while maintaining efficiency.

Security and Fraud Prevention

The system also includes built-in fraud prevention mechanisms. If a permit is found to be misused, it can be cancelled. This ensures permits are only used by eligible vehicle owners and prevents illegal parking or permit misuse.

The Future of Digital Parking Permits

Bayside City Council’s digital parking permit system is a perfect example of how technology can streamline bureaucratic processes and improve the user experience. It addresses many of the challenges faced by local governments in managing permits, including the need for real-time updates, accurate verifications, and fraud prevention. With the success of this system, we can expect more councils to adopt similar solutions, making parking permit applications faster, more efficient, and user-friendly for everyone involved.

Watch the full presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb0XSjdhw9k&ab_channel=UbiPark