Port Stephens Council is working with the Smart Parking providers to rectify applications from residents and ratepayers which have been wrongly declined via the council online portal.
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The new Smart Parking system is now operating in the Nelson Bay CBD, where visitors will be required to pay for parking while Port Stephens residents, ratepayers and CBD workers are exempt.
The technology uses number plate recognition which motorists can download on an app or register online with the council.
A council spokesperson confirmed this week that of the 11,000 residents who have signed up for the Free Park permits, around 9 per cent (or 1115) have been declined by the portal. However, no fines will be issued before January 7, 2021.
"This is a slightly higher than expected number of applications rejected by the automated system since launching in October," the spokesperson said.
"We have been working closely with the portal developer and have upgraded the portal to improve the automated approval function to reduce the number of rejections.
"Since the upgrade last week the portal has successfully reduced the number of declines by fixing the most common causes of rejection including re-entering details, assistance through the pop-up shop, or by phone/email assistance."
The spokesperson confirmed that a pause had been put on smart parking fines until January 7. For visitors paying for parking, they can pay by card, phone, coin or download the Park'nPay app.
"If you're paying by card or coin, simply put your number plate details into the meter and you're set to go - no ticket is needed," the council spokesperson said.
"If you've registered for the app, put your number plate and payment details into the app and you're all set. The great thing about the app is you can top up your parking within the time limits from wherever you are. It also tells you where to find the nearest park, which is always handy at this time of year.
"For those residents, ratepayers and workers who have a 'Park Free' permit, you don't need to touch the meter - simply park and stick to the time limits. The sensors will measure how long you've stayed and our rangers will use number plate recognition technology to check if you've paid. In 2021, we'll be installing digital signs to provide live information on parking space availability."
The parking information pop-up shop in Donald Street is closed on public holidays and will close permanently on December 30. After that, assistance will be provided via the Nelson Bay Visitor Information Centre until March. To register for a permit head to Port Stephens Council's website.
