Exclusive: For the past seven years, Olivia Stiles has enjoyed the convenience of parking on the street outside her Melbourne residence without any hassle. However, those days of worry-free parking might soon be over as the local council is now seeking to impose a parking fee that could cost her up to $250.

This change comes as Stonnington City Council introduces a new paid digital permit system, effectively replacing the old scheme where residents were provided with two complimentary physical parking permits per household.

The shift not only impacts residents like Stiles but also presents additional challenges for those in need of support services. Residents who rely on caregivers and support workers may find the task of managing visitor parking to be more complicated under the new system.

Under the previous arrangement, paper permits offered flexibility as they could easily be transferred between different vehicles. With the new digital system, that flexibility may no longer be an option, potentially complicating daily life for many in the community.

Stonnington residents who require support services may also find managing visitor parking for carers and support workers more arduous.

Previously, paper permits could be moved between vehicles.

The new digital permits will be linked to a vehicle’s registration and a resident’s address, making them harder to share.

The Stonnington City Council spokesperson said support with the digital system is being provided through information sessions at Council libraries.

Residents who are genuinely unable to use the online system may be assessed to determine if a physical permit can be issued instead.

It has already attracted more than 2000 signatures and will remain open for more until February 2.

After that, it will be submitted to Stonnington City Council.

“I don’t know what outcome it will have, given that the system is already up and running,” Stiles said.

“But it will certainly bring to light that targeted and appropriate community consultation is vital before you bring such an overarching change in.”

The Stonnington City Council spokesperson confirmed to 9news.com.au that it will consider and respond to the petition when it is received.

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