Parking Explained
On-street parking facilities are located throughout the City of Victor Harbor to cater for the needs of the motoring public. Parking controls are designed to maximise the use of the available parking spaces and to give, in as fair as way possible, some degree of reasonable parking facilities to the majority of motorists.
Council endeavours to provide parking controls for the sometimes conflicting requirements of businesses, visitors, residents and traffic management. Within South Australia, parking is controlled by the combination of the Australian Road Rules 1999, the Road Traffic Act 1961 and Regulations made under the Acts.
The information on this page has been produced to assist you, the motorist, to understand these parking controls and to help you to make the most suitable parking arrangements when visiting Victor Harbor. This is Council's interpretation of the Legislation and is intended only for information and not as legal advice.
For further advice and assistance, please contact the City of Victor Harbor's General Inspectors on 8551 0500 or email localgov@victor.sa.gov.au.
Parking Signage
Parking control signs have been introduced Australia wide which must comply with the Australian Standard. These signs have symbols instead of words, and the larger letters and numbers indicate the times and days parking limits apply. These signs are designed to be easily read while a vehicle is moving. While this signage is still being phased in, old signs still apply and must be observed. Throughout this information only the new signs will be shown.
Roadside trees may obscure signage so it is always advisable to look carefully for parking information signs before leaving your vehicle. Not all parking restrictions are the same in all areas, and parking signage can also change due to special events. If you wish to report signs which are difficult to see, please phone the City of Victor Harbor on 8551 0500.
Common Signs
No stoppingThe no stopping symbol means you are not permitted to stop unless traffic conditions require it (e.g. in a queue of traffic). These zones are created for road safety. Note: The Supreme Court of South Australia has decided that driving a vehicle backwards and forwards in a No Stopping Zone while waiting (e.g. to pick up a passenger) amounts to “stopping”. | |
No parking
Some No Parking signs do not apply for certain vehicles (e.g. emergency services). In these cases the excepted vehicles may stop for an unlimited period. | |
Bus zoneA vehicle must not park in a bus zone unless the vehicle is a public bus. A “Public bus” is a bus engaged in regular passenger services under Passenger Transport Act 1994. | |
Loading zoneA vehicle must not be parked in a loading zone unless:
“Commercial Vehicle” means a motor vehicle constructed solely or mainly for the carriage of goods and includes vehicles such as a utility, truck and van but does not include vehicles such as a station wagon, sedan, hatch, four wheel drive or coupe. | |
Permit zoneThis area is only for vehicles correctly displaying a valid permit issued or recognised by the Council for that zone. NOTE: Holders of a disabled person’s permit are NOT entitled to park in a Permit Zone unless the sign is accompanied by a disabled person’s symbol. | |
Disabled parkingThe disabled person's symbol is also displayed in car parks and means that only vehicles displaying a current Disabled Person’s parking Permit issued under Part 3(D) of Motor Vehicles Act 1959 and driven by or carrying the disabled person may use the parking space. The holder of a Disabled Person’s parking Permit must comply with all parking conditions. Where a concession applies, it is referred to in the appropriate section of this guide. Enquiries about disabled person’s concessions for these car parks may be made by telephone 8551 0500 or in person at the City of Victor Harbor Civic Centre, 1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor. | |
Permissive parking zoneThe permissive parking sign allows you to park a vehicle as long as you obey any restrictions on the sign. The 'P' symbol alone means there is no time limit in that Permissive Parking Area. It is important to note that the letter 'P' symbol may also be used in off-street car parks where a specified time or other conditions apply. | |
Time limit parking zoneA time limit may be stated on Permissive Parking signs. This enables anyone to use the available parking space for a set period instead of one vehicle parking for a maximum period of 24 hours (all day). The limited time is shown by a number beside the letter 'P' symbol (e.g. ‘1P’ means one hour parking; ½'P' means half hour parking). Where the limit is very short (e.g. 10 minutes) the word 'minute' is shown with the number. Holders of a Disabled Person’s parking Permit are allowed certain concessions
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Ticket parkingParking by purchase of a ticket from a parking ticket vending machine is utilised in the Esplanade Car Park for the hours of 9am - 6pm each day of the week and includes public holidays. Parking tickets must be displayed on the passenger side of the vehicle inside the windscreen, or if the vehicle does not have a windscreen, in some other prominent position. Any instructions on the sign, meter, ticket or parking ticket-vending machine must be obeyed. Drivers should always carry sufficient coins for the machines. Drivers are not allowed to park their vehicles while seeking change from nearby shops or other outlets. Acceptable coins are indicated on the instruction panel of the machines. Please note No change is given. The expiry time of the ticket is displayed on the visual display panel as each coin is inserted. If sufficient time has been purchased the GREEN BUTTON should then be pressed. Over payment will not give you additional time. A ticket may only be purchased from the ticket machines in the carpark. Should more than one ticket be purchased within the specified time limit, then each ticket should be displayed. Enquiries about disabled persons concessions for the Esplanade Car Park may be made by calling 8551 0500 or visiting the City of Victor Harbor Civic Centre situated at 1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor. | |
Temporary parking controlThese signs are used when temporary conditions are necessary (e.g. parades or roadworks). These signs will override any other signs in the area. No changes to any existing road markings occurs. | |
Multiple signsState different restrictions or conditions which apply at certain times during the week. All restrictions or conditions are located on the same panel. Each section must be read in conjunction with the other sections. Occasionally, sign posted zones may be interrupted by driveways, entrances, laneways or fire hydrants/plugs. Additional signs or road markings are not required under the legislation and are only installed if the zone is of sufficient length to warrant their placement. Motorists have a responsibility when parking to check for these items as well as any restrictions or conditions on both parking control signs and/or road markings that apply to the zone. | |
Road markings | Lines may be painted on roads to emphasise restrictions or conditions as stated on parking control signs. Parking bays are marked in car parks or on the road surfaces, the parking of a vehicle is only permitted completely within these bays. Certain areas have mandatory restrictions and must be kept permanently clear of stationary vehicles. No signage is necessary for these areas, however, solid yellow ‘No Stopping’ road markings may be placed on the road to remind the public (e.g. at traffic lights). These have the same effect as if the area had signs stating ‘No Stopping Zone’. Where signs are present to indicate a restriction or requirement, they take precedence over any road markings which may be present. |
Parallel parking | All vehicles must be parked parallel to the kerb UNLESS the signs and/or road markings indicate angle parking is required. All parallel parked vehicles must face the same direction as the direction of traffic on that side of the road – this is called ‘the lawful direction’. To ensure a clear passage for moving traffic, parallel parked vehicles (other than motor cycles) must have both kerbside wheels as close as practicable to the kerb. |
Motorcycle parking | When parallel parking at least one wheel must be as near as practicable to the kerb. When angle parking is indicated a motor cycle must park within the bay with either wheel as close as possible to the kerb. |
Angle parking | Vehicles must park at the angle shown on the sign or lines painted on the road. In 45º or 60º spaces the front wheel must be as close as possible to the kerb. VEHICLES MUST NOT REVERSE INTO 45º or 60º ANGLE PARKING BAYS. This inconveniences other drivers and can hold up the flow of traffic. |
Where not to park |
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Further offence | A vehicle which has been reported may receive additional penalties for each hour that the offence continues to occur. Where a sign indicates a time limit which is less than one hour, a motorist may be reported for a Further Offence for each successive period of the time limit, while the vehicle remains parked in the zone when the zone is in operation. |
Vehicle movement | It is not sufficient for motorists to swap places with each other at regular intervals and park all day in the same time limit parking zone. Vehicles must be moved away from the time limit area for a minimum of one time limit period. This enables more motorists to use the available parking spaces in that location. |
When the owner is not the driver | The driver of a motor vehicle is primarily responsible for any parking infringement notice and all motor vehicle owners are given the opportunity of providing Council with a Statutory Declaration giving full details of the driver at the time each alleged infringement was committed. Should the driver not be identified by the owner (e.g. if full name and address is not supplied) then the owner of the motor vehicle may be liable for the infringement notice under the terms of the legislation. |
What about on weekends? | Time limit parking in some streets in Victor Harbor generally applies Monday to Friday between the hours of 8.30am and 5.30pm and Saturday mornings 8.30am to 11.30am. However there are some time limit areas that apply seven days of the week. |
Hospitals and parking | We are aware of the trauma and distress involved when relatives (particularly children) have to be taken to hospital. However, we also have a responsibility to ensure that road safety and access is maintained. For this reason, parking in the vicinity of the hospital is restricted. However, we recommend you enquire with the hospital prior to arrival to determine if parking is available for short-term purposes. All drivers seeking parking on-street should be aware that all parking in the vicinity of the hospital is subject to restrictions. |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It’s illegal to park on a footpath or naturestrip.
Yes, but only if the vehicle has first been removed completely from its current parking area.
No. A long vehicle (including a car with a caravan or trailer attached) that exceeds 7.5 metres in overall length can be parked for no longer than one hour, day or night, in unrestricted parking areas unless loading or unloading is taking place. Note: Long vehicles are bound by normal time restrictions in zoned areas.
No. No part of the vehicle must overhang the line marked parking bay.
Never. Not even for the purpose of the immediate setting down or picking up of a passenger.
A vehicle of the Range Rover type is a vehicle classed as a station wagon or station sedan and is excluded from the definitions of a “Commercial Vehicle” under the legislation. The maximum time such a vehicle may remain in a Loading Zone is for no longer than such time as is necessary to complete the dropping off or picking up of goods that are difficult to handle because of weight or size.
Wrong. Only a Public Bus and other specially licensed vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1961 engaged in scheduled services may park in a Bus Zone. See the comments under the Bus Zone section.
The Parking Officer correctly reported your vehicle. Waiting in a non commercial vehicle is not permitted in a Loading Zone.
Yes. The ticket must be displayed on the passenger’s side or side nearest the kerb and in such a position that it is easily readable to anyone standing on the footpath or alongside the vehicle.
No. Only one vehicle is permitted to park in an individual parking bay, regardless of size. However, more than one motorcycle is permitted to park in a car parking bay providing there is no car already parked there, and each motorcycle must have one wheel as close as possible to the kerb.
- A Loading Zone - 15 or 30minutes.
- A Parking Area with a time limit- One Hour
- A Parking Area without a time limit - One Hour
- For tasks that require more than one day, Temporary Parking Controls should be considered. A Temporary Parking Permit is available from the City of Victor Harbor's Civic Centre situated at 1 Bay Road Victor Harbor or telephone 8551 0500
24 Hours notice is required.
There are no special provisions for non commercial vehicles with trailers attached that entitles them to be parked in Loading Zones.
That being said, if the towing vehicle is a Commercial Vehicle the maximum time is 30 minutes.
You can not park your vehicle in angle parking bays and as the driver of the vehicle you should find alternative parallel parking options.
Yes. But only where parallel parking is permitted and you must occupy the least number of bays as possible.
Yes. No one including the property owner is permitted to block access to a driveway.
Yes. It is the driver’s responsibility to park in an appropriate place and to allow sufficient time even if their business is delayed. Further offences occur when a vehicle remains parked for successive periods of time that equal the time limit for the zone in which the vehicle is parked.
Wrong. The Australian Road Rules provide the total width/length of a vehicle (including the load) must be completely within the confines of the parking bay or space.
Yes - There is no requirement under the Australian Road Rules 1999, for an Officer to place an Infringement notice on a vehicle and the notice can be posted to the registered owner or driver.
Yes. The owner of the vehicle may be legally responsible for the Parking Infringements unless he or she provides the full name and address of the driver at the time.
Wrong. You should proceed to one of the other ticket machines located in the car park.
If your vehicle is disabled in a No Stopping Zone, immediate action must be taken to resolve the situation by seeking assistance or arranging for the vehicle to be towed away. You should always leave a note in a prominent position on the passenger side of the vehicle (i.e. side nearest the kerb) and ring the Council. If you do receive an infringement notice you will be required to produce documentary evidence (e.g. a letter from the RAA or similar service provider confirming that the vehicle was in fact broken down).
Obtain a statement from the Hospital in support of your claim that it was an emergency situation and send it immediately to City of Victor Harbor PO BOX 11, Victor Harbor 5211 quoting the notice number of the infringement notice and/or your vehicle registration details.
Time limits in on-street permissive parking areas do apply on public holidays. Tickets must be purchased from the ticket machines located in the Esplanade car park which operate on public holidays.
However, any area covered by prohibited distances or indicated by a continuous yellow edge line is applicable at all times, as are the requirements regarding angle parking and parallel parking.
Restricted areas such as No Stopping Zones, No Parking Zones, Loading Zones, Bus Zones, Taxi Zones and Permit Zones are applicable if the signs indicate that the restriction is:
- At All Times
- Any Day
- At Other Times
- Including Public Holidays
It is vital to read all signs that apply to the zone in which you are parking your vehicle.
Trades people cannot park for longer that the period allowed in a Loading Zone, however, when they have active work to be completed in the township, they may request a temporary parking permit to park in a time limit or ticket parking area for a specified time by phoning the City of Victor Harbor 8551 0500 to arrange a permit from one of the parking inspectors. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis having regard for congestion in the area requested and any other alternatives that may be available.
No. That part of the driveway must be clear at all times for the safety of pedestrians.