Free parking permits for front-line workers

City of Newcastle will provide free residential parking permits to key health care workers and emergency services personnel to help them respond faster to emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Essential Services Temporary Parking Permit will allow doctors, nurses, pharmacists and paramedics who live in commercial zones - in the city centre, Hamilton and Darby Street - to park close to home for free and for an unlimited time.

Similarly, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and paramedics who live in residential zones but are ineligible for a permit for certain reasons, such as having an onsite parking space, will be able to apply for the temporary concession to help them get to work as quickly as possible.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the parking concession was a practical way for the City to support those on the front line of the public health crisis.

“Health care workers are facing great challenges and pressures during this pandemic, so we’re making parking one less thing they have to worry about,” Councillor Nelmes said.

“The temporary permits are for those healthcare workers who typically have a 30-minute window to respond in the event of an emergency.

“On behalf of the City of Newcastle, we are extremely grateful for these frontline workers and their efforts during this unprecedent public health crisis and we extend our thanks to them.”

The City will implement a fast-track service to process permit applications, with an anticipated turnaround of 24 hours.

All permits will remain valid until 30 June 2020, with the expiry date to be extended or brought forward according to the COVID-19 situation.

Applications for an Essential Services Temporary Parking Permit should include contact details, residential address, vehicle details and proof of occupation.

Health care workers and emergency services personnel can apply by emailing parkingservices@ncc.nsw.gov.au

For the latest on City of Newcastle’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/covid-19