Priority Parking Trial welcomed by seniors

“It’s useful for me because I come quite often to the library … very often when I come it’s after work … it’s a quarter of a mile walk sometimes to bring the library books back so this is great for me,” Lindsey Milner said. 

The 68-year-old resident made use of one of the two dedicated bays located close to the entrance of Stirling Libraries – Scarborough, where a busy car park often forces her to park further away and walk to the facility. 

“When you get in your sixties, you don’t want to be carrying six heavy books a long way, it sort of puts you off coming … I have actually driven past and thought I can’t be bothered,” she said. 

The 12-week trial, running until 9 August 2026, provides 20 priority parking bays for seniors across 10 City facilities. Participating Stirling Libraries include Inglewood, Mirrabooka, Osborne, Scarborough and Karrinyup. Participating Stirling Leisure Centres include Inglewood, Mirrabooka, Balga, Hamersley and Scarborough. 

The initiative responds to feedback showing lower satisfaction among senior residents with the City’s parking supply and management. Seniors have reported increasing difficulty accessing convenient parking, particularly during busy periods, and challenges such as minor mobility issues that do not meet the criteria for ACROD parking. 

Carine resident Michelle Kiamil described the trial as “great for seniors” after using a bay at Stirling Libraries – Karrinyup, while Judith Thorley said she looked forward to using the bays at Stirling Leisure – Scarborough, where she will attend the gym three times a week to rehabilitate following a quadruple bypass. 

“I think it’s a good idea, I think they’re needed,” she said. 

“I think it’s always good to be informed so that’s a way to be informed is to run trials.” 

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 courtesy rather than enforcement. The wider community asked to respect their purpose and leave them available for senior residents. 

“I wouldn’t park in a seniors bay if I wasn’t a senior, and I think 99 per cent of people are like that,” Mrs Milner said. 

The bays are located close to facility entrances and are clearly marked with green and white ‘Priority Parking For Seniors’ signage. 

An important part of the trial is gathering insights from residents, whether you’re a senior or not, to help the City better understand parking challenges and what could make a difference. 

To learn more or complete a short survey, visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/seniorsparkingtrial.