Accessible parking

Accessible parking spaces are located across the Gold Coast to help people with disabilities access shops, services, beaches and community facilities.

Who can use an accessible parking space?

You can only stop or park in a signed accessible parking space, if:

• you have a valid disability parking permit
• the permit holder is travelling in the vehicle, either as the driver or a passenger, and is getting out of the vehicle.

How do I display my permit? 

To comply with permit conditions, place your permit in the vehicle:

• on the lower left (passenger side) of the windscreen, or
• on the left (passenger side) dashboard.

Make sure the permit details can be clearly seen from outside the vehicle.

If you stop or park in an accessible parking space without a valid parking permit, you will be fined.

Find accessible parking

Many City of Gold Coast carparks provide accessible parking spaces. Use our Council carparks map to find a park near you.

Disability parking permits

Disability parking permits are issued by the Queensland Government.

How do I apply for a permit?

To apply for a disability parking permit, visit the Queensland Government website or call 13 23 80.

Which permits are accepted?

We accept valid accessible parking permits issued by:

• the Queensland Government
• other Australian State and Territory governments
• recognised overseas governments.

If your permit is valid and displayed correctly in your vehicle, you can use signed accessible parking spaces across the Gold Coast.

Shared Access Zone

You may notice a striped area beside some accessible parking bays. This area is called a Shared Access Zone.

The Shared Access Zone provides extra space for people with a disability to safely get in and out of their vehicle.

Many people who use accessible parking:

• use a wheelchair, mobility scooter or walking aid
• need extra room to open their vehicle door fully
• use a vehicle fitted with a wheelchair hoist or ramp.

Without access to this extra space, they may be unable to enter or leave their vehicle safely.

Why can't I park in a Shared Access Zone?

The Shared Access Zone is part of the accessible parking space.

Stopping or parking in the striped area, even for a short time, can:

• block wheelchair ramps and hoists
• prevent people from entering or leaving their vehicle
• create safety risks for people with a disability.

The striped area is not an additional parking space as it provides the space needed for people using wheelchairs, mobility aids, ramps and vehicle hoists to safely access their vehicle. For this reason, Shared Access Zones must remain clear.

 

Metered parking fees and time limits

If you have a valid disability parking permit you can park free of charge in metered parking spaces across the Gold Coast.

Do I need to pay at a parking meter? 

No. Accessible parking permit holders do not need to pay parking meter fees.

How long can I park? 

Your permit may allow you extra parking time in metered spaces if the signed time is:

• less than 30 minutes, you can park for up to 30 minutes
• 30 minutes or more, you can park for as long as you need.

Watch the Just a minute campaign videos

Help keep accessible parking spaces and Shared Access Zones clear for people who need them.

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