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Parking within Willoughby can be difficult due to the high amount of traffic and number of visitors to the area. Council does not believe that the answer is to provide more and more parking as studies suggest that this only increases car traffic which in turn increases pollution, noise, and accidents.
To ensure that popular places are not made unpleasant or dangerous through excessive traffic, parking is managed using pricing, time restrictions and signage.
Council has provided a number of motorcycle parking spaces within Chatswood, Artarmon and St Leonards. Click here to view maps of these parking spaces.
Residential Parking Permits
Residents who live in a street where their homes don’t have off-street parking may be able to get a Resident Parking Permit which exempts them from time limits in their street. To get the permit, you must prove that you live in the zone and that you don’t have access to off-street parking. Once the 
Residential Parking Permit - 78 KB application form is accepted, there is an annual fee. To find out more please contact the Help & Service Centre on 9777 1000.
Parking Meters
Parking meters are a good way to ensure that car spaces are shared throughout the day. Meters have been installed in the busy CBD areas in Chatswood and St Leonards. Meters are cheaper and more efficient than ‘tyre marking’ and are therefore a better use of rate-payers’ money. Meters are inspected several times a week to make sure they are still working. Please note that even if a meter is broken and does not accept payment, the time restriction is still in force.
Understanding parking restrictions
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‘No Stopping’ signs are put in place for the safety of the community, particularly in areas of high traffic or poor visibility. You cannot stop here no matter how quick you will be. Dropping off or picking up passengers is not allowed. These areas are strictly enforced by Council.
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‘No Parking’ areas are to enable drivers to pick up or drop off people or goods quickly and safely. For example, many schools have ‘No Parking’ zones. You can stop here as long as you stay within three metres of your vehicle and are not stopped for more than two minutes.
Parking across footpaths is not allowed. It can endanger pedestrians, particularly those who are visually impaired, and may force the elderly or people with prams or wheelchairs onto the road.
Parking across a driveway is illegal as it prevents access in or out of a property, which may be critical in the case of an emergency. Even if it is your house, you cannot block your driveway. It is also illegal to block the driveway to a business, even if it is closed.
Other offences include stopping in bus zones, and double parking, which reduces visibility and may force traffic on to the wrong side of the road. It does not matter how long you are there; these are dangerous offences which Council takes seriously.
When parking restrictions are introduced or changed, affected residents are usually consulted, and must be approved by the RTA through the Local Traffic Committee.