Parking permits and schemes

For commercial vehicle owners who use different metered spaces more than 10 times per day, the City of Hobart may issue a permit that allows the vehicle to not need to pay the fee for the use of a metered parking space.

The permits are for motor vehicles used in the regular delivery of goods to and from a premises in metered zones. Permits are valid only while goods are being loaded or unloaded and when nearby commercial vehicle spaces are filled. They are not for casual deliveries, sales, maintenance, meetings or purchases.

You can apply for a permit by completing and submitting the metered space permit application (commercial) form.

Please note: metered space permits only allow you to park for the maximum time allowed on the meter (for example you can park for one hour on a one hour meter, two hours on a two hour meter etc.).

If approved, you will be issued with a sticker which must be placed on the bottom left hand corner of the windscreen.

The charge for an annual metered space permit can be viewed on the fees and charges page, and the following conditions will apply:

• The driver of a vehicle with an authorised metered space permit sticker on the windscreen will be entitled to occupy a metered parking space, without using the meter, and a short term (3 hours or less) voucher parking space, without displaying a current voucher (permit not valid in the TasPorts areas), subject to the conditions on which the permit was issued.
• A permit will cease to be valid if, at any time, a City of Hobart officer is satisfied that it is not necessary for the vehicle to be left in a metered/voucher space. In that case, the officer will issue an infringement notice and the owner will need to prove that the parking was necessary.
• Permits are not transferable between vehicles and as such no transferable permits will be issued.
• If changing vehicles old permit(s) must be returned to the City of Hobart before a new one can be issued.
• Metered space permits are not valid in the TasPorts areas. These areas include but are not limited to the southern (water) side of Hunter Street, Fishermans Market (Mures), Franklin Wharf, Murray Street Pier, Elizabeth Street Pier and Macquarie Point.
• A permit is subject to cancellation by the City of Hobart at any time if, in its opinion, the permit is no longer warranted, or the privilege of holding it is being abused.
• Every sticker will be issued on the condition that the permit holder agrees to remove it from the vehicle if:
  • the permit is cancelled
  • the vehicle is sold
  • the vehicle ceases to be used for the purpose for which the permit was originally granted
  • for any other reason that we require it to be removed.

Parking meter spaces – including voucher machines – can be reserved by tradespeople and others who require access to their vehicle during the operating hours of the parking meter as part of their work activity on a nearby building or site.

These permits do not provide an exemption in unmetered parking areas and areas owned by other authorities, such as TasPorts.

It may be possible for a permit to be issued for multiple days depending on how disruptive this would be on the public and adjacent businesses. It may also be possible for metered spaces to be removed or blocked off for extended periods if needed for long term construction.

The current fees required for a daily metered space permit can be found on our fees and charges page.

There is no application form for a metered space permit. To apply for a permit, simply call 03 6238 2711 and have the following ready:

• registration number of the vehicle
• dates a permit is required
• street on which the vehicle will be parked
• credit card details to make payment.

For enquiries, please phone 03 6238 2711 or email coh@hobartcity.com.au.

Permits may be issued to allow parking on streets despite parking restrictions to assist with building construction or special deliveries. 

You can apply for a permit by completing and submitting the parking permit application (general exemption) form.

Please note: it is less disruptive to other road users, and cheaper and easier for the applicant to seek a permit for a metered space than a non-metered space. Metered space permits can be obtained on the phone.

For enquiries, please phone 03 6238 2711 or email coh@hobartcity.com.au.

Commercial vehicles can use a loading zone (maximum time limit 30 minutes, other conditions apply) provided its registered owner has permanently displayed the name and street address of the registered operator. It must be non-magnetic and on the right hand side of the vehicle.

An annual exemption permit is available if you need to use loading zones for your business, but are unable to display the registered name of your business on the side of your vehicle. While the display of a registered business name on the side of a vehicle is a legal requirement for stopping in a loading zone, in certain limited situations this is not practical.

For instance, the display of a business name could invite a clear safety risk on the operator of the vehicle, by identifying that the vehicle transports cash, pharmaceuticals or similar high value items.

The Exemption Permit – Loading Zone requires businesses to demonstrate that the display of the name and address of the registered operator on the side of the vehicle will cause an unacceptable security risk.

Information about the permits

• They are only valid for loading zones in the Hobart municipal area.
• The operator of the vehicle must still obey the loading zone restrictions (only use the loading zone when delivering or picking up goods and not for general parking), and ensure they adhere to the 30-minute time limit.
• The permit can be issued for up to 1 year, and it is the responsibility of the permit holder to re-apply for a new permit if required.
• The permit is a laminated piece of paper that must be displayed on the vehicle dashboard.

Loading zones are located at various sites within the city to allow short-term parking for vehicles delivering or picking up goods.

You can apply for a permit by completing and submitting the parking permit application (loading zone) form.

For enquiries, please phone 03 6238 2711 or email coh@hobartcity.com.au.

Elizabeth Mall vehicle access

The mall is open to delivery, service and removal vehicles between 7 and 8.30 am Monday to Friday only (no permit is required during those hours). The bollards that prevent vehicular access are opened and closed by a City of Hobart officer. Access is one way, with drivers required to enter the Elizabeth Mall from Liverpool Street and exit to Collins Street.

Customers and trades people requiring access to the mall outside of these hours for shop fitting, emergency repairs and other building works will need to apply for a permit.

Application for vehicle access (Elizabeth Mall) form

When your permit application is approved, you may also be provided with a key to allow independent access through the mall bollards. In this case you would need to pay a key deposit.

If the works being undertaken in the Elizabeth Mall involve the setting up of infrastructure or undertaking work in the Mall itself, you will likely also be required to obtain a permit to occupy or carry out the works.

Application to occupy and/or carry out works on a highway form

Depending on the work being carried out, payment of an infrastructure bond may also be required as a condition of the permit.

For enquiries on permits to access the mall for building trades or shop fitting purposes, please phone 03 6238 2711 or email coh@hobartcity.com.au.

Salamanca Square vehicle access

Salamanca Square is open between 6 and 10 am Monday to Friday for delivery vehicles only (no permit is required during those hours). Drivers are required to access Salamanca Square from Salamanca Place at Kennedy Lane.

Permits may be issued for the use of Salamanca Square outside of these times by trades people, builders, shopfitters, etc. You must apply for a permit in person at the Customer Service Centre (at 16 Elizabeth Street), and complete an indemnity form. A bond is required for the collection of a key, and an infrastructure bond may also be required depending on the nature of the activity to be undertaken in the Square.

The permit holder must display the permit on their dashboard at all times. The permit is valid between 10 am and 7 pm Sunday to Friday, or other times as indicated on the permit. There is no entry to the Square on Saturdays due to the Salamanca Market.

If the works being undertaken in Salamanca Square involve the setting up of infrastructure or undertaking work in the Square itself, you will likely also be required to obtain a permit to occupy or carry out the works.

Application to occupy and/or carry out works on a highway form

Depending on the work being carried out, payment of an infrastructure bond may also be required as a condition of the permit.

For enquiries on permits to access Salamanca Square for building trades or shop fitting purposes, please phone 03 6238 2711 or email coh@hobartcity.com.au.