NSW: Solving strata parking pain points with technology

This article summarises key insights from a webinar dedicated to tackling strata parking challenges using technology in NSW strata communities. The webinar featured Leanne Habib from Premium Strata and Shady Eskander from Spoto, a smart parking solution. The speakers presented a wide spectrum of strategies for managing parking issues, ranging from traditional bylaw enforcement procedures to the adoption of cutting-edge technology.

Why This Webinar Matters for Lot Owners

This webinar is highly recommended for lot owners as it directly addresses the common parking frustrations experienced in strata living. By understanding the information presented, owners gain valuable insights into their rights, responsibilities, and available options for creating a more harmonious living environment. The speakers emphasise practical solutions and empower owners to take proactive measures in managing strata parking issues by utilising the latest technology within their communities.

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NSW: Visitor Parking Pain: Solutions for Owners Corporations | Leanne Habib, Premium Strata and Shady Eskander, Spoto – Nov 2024

Identifying Common Strata Parking Pain Points

The webinar began by identifying common parking issues that plague many strata communities. Visitor parking abuse is a recurring problem, with residents often exceeding allowed time limits in visitor spaces or unauthorised individuals taking advantage of these spots. Loading docks are frequently obstructed, hindering essential services such as deliveries, garbage collection, and moving activities.

Another point of contention arises when residents encounter issues with parking in their individually owned spaces. This presents a challenge as bylaw enforcement by the owners corporation has limited jurisdiction if the person parking is not a resident. Tailgating and security breaches, where unauthorised vehicles gain access to secure parking areas by following resident’s vehicles, are also common concerns. Finally, the speakers discussed the general issue of improper parking on common property, which can obstruct access ways and cause significant inconvenience for residents.

Bylaw Enforcement: A Layered Approach

The webinar presents a two-pronged approach to bylaw enforcement, outlining both informal and formal processes. The informal process emphasises an initial attempt at resolving parking issues amicably. This can be achieved through a three-notice system, where notices are strategically placed on the windscreens of offending vehicles.

The first notice serves as a friendly reminder of the parking violation, while the second notice delivers a firmer warning, noting that the vehicle registration has been recorded. The third and final notice serves as a last warning, clearly stating that continued violations will lead to consequences. Threats like swipe access deactivation can be helpful, although deactivation may not be possible. Seek legal advice for the situation in your strata scheme. This system encourages compliance through escalating levels of awareness and potential repercussions.

If informal measures prove ineffective, the webinar outlines a formal enforcement process. This process begins with issuing bylaw breach letters to offenders. These formal letters offer another opportunity for individuals to address the issue before further action is taken. If violations persist, the owners corporation can issue a notice to comply. This legally binding document outlines the specific bylaw breach and is served by the owners corporation secretary or a delegated strata manager. The notice must include key details such as the specific bylaw violated, the date and time of the offense, and a copy of the breached bylaw. The notice to comply serves as a serious step in the enforcement process, with potential consequences for non-compliance.

Should an offender continue to disregard the notice to comply, the owners corporation has the option of applying for penalty or compliance orders through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). However, applications for penalties must be filed within 12 months of the notice to comply issuance. If successful, these applications can result in penalties of up to $1,100, payable to the owners corporation. Breaching an NCAT order carries even steeper penalties, potentially reaching up to $5,500.

The webinar also highlights mediation as an alternative dispute resolution method that can be pursued before resorting to formal NCAT action. Mediation encourages parties to come together and reach a mutually acceptable solution, potentially avoiding a more adversarial legal process.

Action Items for Addressing Strata Parking Issues

The webinar provides several actionable recommendations for owners corporations to effectively manage parking issues within their communities. The first step is to maintain a detailed log of parking violations. This log should include specific dates, times, and durations of each offense, providing valuable evidence if formal action becomes necessary. Gathering photographic or video evidence of violations, whenever possible and legally permissible, further strengthens the owners corporation’s position. Additionally, compiling a list of witnesses who can corroborate claims of bylaw breaches is highly advisable. These steps demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing parking issues and create a stronger foundation for enforcement actions.

Beyond Bylaws: Embracing New Technology

The webinar extends beyond traditional enforcement methods and explores the potential of technological advancements in revolutionising strata parking management. These systems utilise a combination of hardware and software to optimise parking allocation and enforcement, offering a range of benefits that significantly improve the parking experience for both residents and guests.

One key feature of smart parking systems is the ability to control access to parking areas. Features like app-based boom gate control ensure that only authorised vehicles can enter the parking facility. This helps prevent unauthorised parking and enhances overall security within the strata community. Another important aspect of smart parking technology is the ability for residents to reserve visitor parking spaces in advance. This guarantees parking availability for guests and eliminates the frustration of searching for an open spot, particularly during peak hours.

Smart bollards represent another significant technological advancement in strata parking management. These automated bollards physically control access to individual parking spaces, offering an additional layer of security and effectively preventing unauthorised parking. By implementing smart bollards, owners corporations can ensure that designated parking spaces are used only by authorised individuals.

The adoption of smart parking technologies brings numerous benefits to strata communities. These technologies enhance security and access control, guarantee parking availability for residents and their guests, and streamline enforcement processes, reducing the reliance on manual monitoring. Additionally, smart parking systems provide real-time data and reporting on parking usage, offering valuable insights for optimising parking management strategies. Finally, these technologies open up possibilities for monetising unused parking spaces, potentially generating additional revenue for the owners corporation.

The potential applications of smart parking technology extend beyond managing visitor parking and loading docks. Residents can install smart bollards in their private parking spaces, offering an additional layer of protection against unauthorised use. Loading dock access can also be automated through smart bollards, ensuring clear access for deliveries and other essential services. By embracing technological advancements in parking management, strata communities can proactively address parking challenges and create a more efficient and harmonious living experience for all residents.

Presentation slides: NSW Visitor Parking Pain: Solutions for Owners Corporations

Download the slide pack from today’s presentation here: NSW Visitor Parking Pain: Solutions for Owners Corporations

Leanne Habib
Premium Strata
E: info@premiumstrata.com.au
P: 02 9281 6440

Shady Eskander
Spoto
E: shady@spoto.com
P: 02 9281 6440

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