This change is in line with how we know the vast majority of our visitors already pay for parking in the Town, and will have a range of benefits for residents, visitors and businesses, as well as aiding our ongoing efforts to beautify and declutter our streetscapes by removing redundant machines and signage.
The Town has started replacing our ageing parking meters with new, cashless and ticketless meters. The new meters accept payments by credit/debit card or the EasyPark (pay-by-phone) application only – coins will no longer be accepted.
The new parking meters utilise the latest pay-by-plate technologies (see more info below) and eliminate the need to display a parking ticket on the dash of your car.
It is important to remember that we will reference the vehicle registration number when checking vehicles have an active parking session; therefore, customers will need to take special care when they enter their vehicle registration details to avoid receiving an infringement.
Pay-by-Plate technology uses your vehicle's licence plate number to record parking time and payment, doing away with the need to display a paper ticket on your dash.
The Town's incoming parking meters are built to be extremely user-friendly, with simple on-screen instructions for users:
If you'd prefer to avoid the parking meter altogether, that's easy too! You have the power in the palm of your hand.
Easypark can be used at any Town-owned car park or ticket machine area across the Town of Victoria Park.
For more details, visit our EasyPark info page.
Why is the Town reducing the number of ticket machines?
Our decision to decrease the number of ticket machines stems from advancements in parking technology and a commitment to enhancing convenience for motorists. The Town's current fleet of ticket machines was strategically placed to facilitate manual payments and ticket displays within vehicles. This setup resulted in closely positioned meters. However, with the introduction of pay-by-plate technologies and the user-friendly EasyPark app, drivers are no longer obligated to return to their vehicles after completing the parking payment.
What is a cashless parking machine?
A cashless parking machine is a parking meter that accepts electronic payment methods such as credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and contactless payment options instead of cash.
How do cashless parking machines work?
Cashless parking machines work by allowing users to select their desired parking duration and payment method. Users can then enter their payment details or tap their payment method on the machine, which will then deduct the appropriate parking fee from their account.
What are the benefits of cashless parking machines?
Cashless parking machines offer several benefits, such as reducing the need for cash handling, providing a more convenient payment experience for users and reducing machine faults. They can also help reduce the risk of theft or vandalism associated with traditional coin-operated parking meters.
Are cashless parking machines secure?
Payments are processed using certified PCIDSS terminals and software solutions. Personal data is optional for parking but can be provided if you'd like to receive an emailed receipt. This data is encrypted immediately and inaccessible, even by the Council. To safeguard data, systems are also independently accredited by ISO Standards.
The Metro LITE Parking Meters use a Windcave card reader and platform for payment processing. Further details on certifications and compliance can be found can be found here.
How will
The Town and any third party strictly adhere to the Privacy Act 1988 and Australian Privacy Principles. All data collected is encrypted and stored solely in Australian data centres, with no duplication outside the country. The use of parking-related data is geared towards enhancing operational efficiency and providing users with better visibility of available parking spaces.
What payment methods are accepted by cashless parking machines?
Cashless parking machines typically accept a range of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, mobile payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, and contactless payment options such as NFC-enabled cards, rings, phones and smartwatches. In addition to paying at the parking machine, you can access the same features on your phone via the ‘Virtual Ticket Machine’. Scan the QR code on the machine and follow the prompts or download the EaspPark App.
How do I access my e-receipt?
Once you have completed your parking transaction at the parking machine, you will be asked if you want an e-receipt. If you select “Yes, please’ there will be a couple of options:
- Scan the QR code to load the receipt directly to your device, or
- Note down the receipt code and go to ‘www.my-receipt.com
You can also choose to register your email address so that all future e-receipts for your registration plate number will be emailed directly to you.
If you need a receipt after you have completed the transaction, you can return to the ticket machine and enter your registration plate again. You will then be presented with options to access your e-receipt.
What if I don’t have access to a credit card or smartphone?
All motorists have the option to park in a non-metered parking bay within the precinct. Our shopping strips have numerous streets and car parks available for motorists at no cost, but time restrictions may apply. There is also the option for motorists to purchase a pre-paid debit card (Visa or Mastercard) from Australia Post (or other providers) to pay for parking.
Are there any additional fees associated with using cashless parking machines?
As with all credit card transactions, a small surcharge does apply. However, the Town has subsidised a portion of this surcharge across all credit card transactions at the Town, bringing the cost to the customer down to
What happens if I experience issues with a cashless parking machine?
If you experience any issues with a cashless parking machine, such as payment processing errors or technical malfunctions, you should contact 08 61473101 for assistance. Support can also be contacted at au.customerservice@orikan.com. In addition, please contact the Town’s Parking and Ranger team immediately so an infringement is not issued where faults are verified.
Cash is Australian legal tender, so why can’t I use it?
The Reserve Bank of Australia states that although transactions are to be in Australian currency unless otherwise agreed or specified, and Australian currency has legal tender status, Australian banknotes and coins do not necessarily have to be used in transactions and refuse to accept payment in legal tender banknotes and coins is not unlawful. If a provider of goods or services specifies other means of payment before the contract, then there is usually no obligation for legal tender to be accepted as payment. In pursuit of its sustainability, efficiency goals, and majority customer service expectations, the Town is electing not to accept cash as a payment method for parking within the Town.
How long will this project take?
The project is scheduled to begin in the first week of March. Based on our initial estimates, the process of removing the existing parking meters and installing the new ones is expected to span approximately three (3-5) weeks.
To ensure efficiency and minimize disruptions to motorists, our installers will work on one machine at a time. They will thoroughly test each installed meter to ensure proper functionality before moving on to the next location. During the installation process, there may be some noise generated by the use of power tools. However, this noise is anticipated to be limited to approximately 10 - 20 minutes per meter.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to enhance the parking facilities for the community.