The City of Melbourne Has Temporarily Relaxed Some Parking Fees and Restrictions

If you need to visit the CBD to pick up essentials or for medical needs — two of the reasons that Melburnians are allowed to head out under the city's current stage four stay-at-home restrictions, but only within five kilometres of home — you have one less thing to worry about: parking fees and fines.

The City of Melbourne has announced that it is easing up on parking restrictions and costs in green sign parking bays, in line with State Government advice. The move will be in effect for the duration of the city's stage-four lockdown.

That said, fees and restrictions will still apply to red sign parking bays — which includes disability parking spaces, if you don't have a permit; no stopping areas; tow-away clearways and loading zones. Enforcement will also apply in any other situation where a vehicle creates a risk to public safety or access, regardless of whether the car is in a green sign or red sign parking bay.

So, while you you will be able to park without paying a cent in plenty of places, you'll still cop a fine for blocking driveways, clearways and lanes, parking too close to an intersection or parking in a disability bay without the proper permit.

The council also said, "We ask everyone to be mindful of the importance of vehicle turnover to support people needing to access essential services and businesses." While there are now less people out and about, and fewer cars on the streets, it's certainly not a time to be a carpark hog.

That said, if you're heading out, ensure that you're following the stage-four requirements — and that you're wearing a mask.

For more information the City of Melbourne's stage-four parking enforcement changes, head to its website.