- Open date
18 May 2026
- Closing date
09 August 2026
Last update date: 13 May 2026
Finding a parking spot can be a challenge whether you’re heading to the shops, an appointment or visiting a community facility. We’ve especially heard this from senior residents. You’ve told us that accessing parking is becoming more difficult, particularly during busy periods and when trying to find free bays close to entrances.
You asked for seniors parking, and we’re listening.
From 18 May to 9 August 2026, the City of Stirling is trialling priority parking for seniors at selected libraries and leisure centres. The trial aims to support access, usability and inclusion by providing a small number of dedicated seniors parking bays closer to facility entrances.
This 12‑week trial won’t fix every parking issue, but it’s about demonstrating our commitment to supporting our senior community, trying something new and learning from lived experience.
Look out for the ‘Priority Parking For Seniors’ signage at participating sites, and take a few minutes to complete the short survey to help us better understand parking challenges and whether the trial makes a difference.
How do I know if it's a seniors parking bay?
- Look for the bays marked with this sign ‘Priority Parking For Seniors’ located near Stirling Libraries and Stirling Leisure centre entrances
- Park in a bay if you self-identify as a senior – there’s no enforcement, just respectful use and shared community understanding.
FAQs
The trial responds to feedback showing lower satisfaction among senior residents with the City’s parking supply and management, alongside an increase in the importance of parking as a priority issue.
It gives the City an opportunity to test a practical, temporary response that focuses on improving access, usability and inclusion at community facilities.
Insights shared during the trial will help us better understand community experience and provide a useful reference for any future discussions or considerations.
The trial will run for 12 weeks, from 18 May to 9 August 2026. A small number of dedicated seniors parking bays (two per site) have been allocated at the following locations:
Stirling Libraries:
- Inglewood
- Mirrabooka
- Osborne
- Scarborough
- Karrinyup.
Stirling Leisure centres:
- Inglewood
- Balga
- Hamersley
- Mirrabooka
- Scarborough.
The seniors parking bays are intended to support senior residents who may find accessing parking more challenging, particularly during busy periods and when trying to find free bays close to entrances. This may include a range of experiences such as difficulty walking longer distances, fatigue, confidence or concentration demands, or environmental comfort considerations like heat or exposure.
The trial does not define a specific age for who is considered a senior. People experience ageing differently, and use of the bays is based on self‑identification and provided as a courtesy rather than through enforcement. The bays are intended for seniors, and we ask the wider community to respect their purpose and leave them available for senior residents.
The seniors parking bays are located close to facility entrances and are identified by ‘Priority Parking For Seniors’ signage.
Seniors parking bays are different from ACROD bays, which are legally regulated and reserved for permit holders only. Seniors parking bays do not replace ACROD parking, however, they may be helpful for seniors who do not meet the criteria for ACROD parking but would still benefit from parking closer to an entrance.
Senior residents are encouraged to make use of the dedicated bays during the trial and share their experience by completing the short survey. We also welcome feedback from non-seniors to help provide a broader perspective.
Your insights will help us understand whether the trial improves access, usability and inclusion, and may provide a useful reference for any future discussions or considerations.
For more information, or to request the survey in hard-copy or an alternative format, please contact the City on (08) 9205 8555 or use our General Enquiry form.
Who can use the seniors parking bays?
The trial does not define a set age for who is considered a senior. People experience ageing differently, and use of the bays is based on self‑identification and community courtesy rather than enforcement. The bays are intended for seniors, and we ask the wider community to respect their purpose and leave them available for senior residents. City of Stirling volunteers who assist with transporting seniors may also use the bays.
What if the priority bays are not used by seniors?
The seniors parking bays are part of a short, courtesy‑based trial and are not enforced. Clear signage explains their purpose and encourages respectful behaviour by the wider community. How the bays are used – including whether they are misused, well‑used, under‑used or not needed at certain locations — is an important part of what the trial is designed to help us understand when considering whether priority seniors parking is appropriate in the future.
How are these different from ACROD parking bays?
ACROD parking bays are reserved for permit holders and are legally regulated. Seniors parking bays do not replace ACROD parking, however, they may be helpful for seniors who do not meet the criteria for ACROD parking but would still benefit from parking closer to an entry.
Does this mean there will be fewer general parking bays?
Yes, a small number of general bays (two per site) have been temporarily reallocated as seniors parking bays. The overall parking supply has not changed. We encourage understanding from all facility users during the trial.
Will the trial become permanent?
While this is a time-limited and location-specific trial, the outcomes may provide useful insights for future conversations.
Is the City fixing parking shortages more broadly?
The seniors parking trial does not address wider parking supply or infrastructure issues. However, parking is an ongoing consideration for the City, with a range of plans and reviews in place.
