Traffic areas
Traffic Areas are geographical areas with time-limited parking. Parking time limits apply on every street within the Traffic Area. Signs show where Traffic Areas start and end and describe the time limits that apply.
Not all streets within a Traffic Area are signed. You are responsible for checking whether you are parking within a Traffic Area and complying with its parking time limits. Time limits apply throughout the Traffic Area, including streets without parking signs.
If your vehicle remains withing the Traffic Area after the time limit expires, you may be fined. You cannot move your car to a different spot within a Traffic Area and continue to park there.
For details, see the Parking rules section of our Safe & legal parking page.
Parking permits are available for people who regularly park within the Traffic Areas. For details, visit Parking permits.
The City of Gold Coast has 11 Traffic Areas. These areas form part of our Traffic Area and Parking Permit Scheme. The days and hours of operation for these Traffic Areas vary depending on their function and the area's parking demands.
Our beaches attract thousands of local residents, domestic and international visitors each year. Find out about parking in Traffic Areas in the following popular beach suburbs:
The busy commercial precincts of Southport, Bundall, Chevron Island and Varsity Lakes are high traffic areas. City of Gold Coast has parking time limits in place to improve traffic flow. Find out more about parking in these areas.
Parking management measures are in place around stadiums and other areas that experience high traffic flow and parking difficulties for local residents during an event. Time-limited parking only exists on event days. Eligible local residents can apply for parking permits for use on such days*.
*Main Beach residents do not need to apply – event organisers are responsible for organising permits for this Traffic Area.