Overview
Transport for New South Wales has enlisted the help of Sydney startup Spot Parking on a handy new project: digitally mapping every kerb in Manly, then turning the results into a parking finder map. Letting Sydneysiders plan out their search for a spot near the beach — and making the process a whole lot easier, too — the Northern Beaches Parking Finder shows you where to find free parking, disabled parking and loading zones. It also details the cost of hourly parking and the time limits that apply on certain spots.
The map covers more than 15 square kilometres, stretching from North Head all the way over to North Balgowlah — so whether you're trying to nab a spot by the wharf or just looking to drop into Balgowlah Bunnings, you can find a park using the directory. Resident permit areas are also included in the map to help Manly residents understand where their permits allow them to park.
Spot Parking won the NSW Government's Parking Innovation Challenge, which asked tech companies and innovators to digitise on-street parking and traffic rules. Spot Parking's Manly map was one of two winning designs, and can now be found as part of the Northern Beaches Council website.
Northern Beaches Parking Finder
Melbourne tech service UbiPark also took out the top spot alongside Spot Parking. As part of the competition, UbiPark submitted a new feature on its app that can decipher parking signs. It uses your camera to scan the parking sign, and then tells you if you can park in that spot and how long for. UbiPark is currently functional in the Chatswood CBD, so make sure to download it before you make a trip out to the new Butter store.
There's no word yet on whether or not Spot Parking's parking finder will be expanding to other Sydney suburbs that suffer from similar parking woes.
Find the Spot Parking Northern Beaches Parking Finder by visiting the Northern Beaches Council website.