Parking fees

Permits paid through salary deductions are charged for a full fortnight, in arrears, they are not pro-rata based on the permit start date.  This is to align with fortnightly pay runs.  Permit holders can choose to start their ePermit at the beginning of the parking cut-off period (see table below) and use PayStay for daily parking permits as an interim measure if they prefer.

Why are the parking rates increasing?

The rate increase is based on a benchmarking study to bring the University’s parking fees in line with broader community standards, including public transport rates. This ensures fair pricing and long-term sustainability for the University’s parking and campus infrastructure.

How will the rate increase directly benefit the campus?

The parking rate increase will ensure that ANU can continue to offer safe, well-maintained parking facilities while also supporting the University’s commitment to broader sustainability goals, including reducing campus carbon footprint and promoting alternative transportation modes.

Are the parking fees associated with the new parking management system being introduced?

No. The parking rate increase is independent of the new parking system. The rate increase is part of a broader review of our parking arrangements. ANU aligned its 2025 rates with the benchmarked rates, and then reduced them by 10 per cent.

When will the parking rate increase be implemented?

These increases will be introduced 1 January 2025.

Will there be any changes to existing parking options?

The new parking management system will replace vPermits with ePermits, and Pay & Display machines with PayStay app-based parking. However, other parking options, such as free time-limited parking, resident parking and authorised visitor parking will remain unchanged.

Can we have a permit for part time staff?

Yes. Eligible part-time and casual staff may apply for, and purchase, a parking permit. Staff must work more than 10 hours a week to be eligible for a permit and be employed at ANU for at least 90 days. The minimum period for a permit is 90 days.

Why is ANU charging for weekends and public holidays?

This is usual practice for calculating a parking permit. For example, the ACT government monthly permits do not provide concessions for permit holders not using the parking spots on weekends.

What is the process for students struggling financially?

We acknowledge the rate increases will be hard to manage financially. If you are having financial difficulty, please refer to this page to understand a range of options that you may be eligible to apply for: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/health-safety-wellbeing/spending-well/financial-advice-and-assistance 

Where did you benchmark the rates?

ANU is located within the CBD fringe of Canberra. We conducted a benchmarking exercise examining nearby parking rates in our broader community to assess whether our rates are consistent with those imposed by the ACT Government. The benchmarking extended beyond a 2km radius of our campus, including the Parliamentary triangle, and considered 30 commercial parking options. Parking at the University of Canberra was also considered.

Will the increased fees guarantee a parking space on campus?

No. ANU has never guaranteed a parking space on campus. A parking permit is permission to park. However, as a result of the increased parking rates, we are forecasting an initial reduction in parking usage on campus.

What about those who arrive on campus after 8.30am? Will you guarantee them a parking spot?

No, there is no guarantee of a parking spot. However, we do recognise the difficulty of parking availability for those arriving later in the morning, which may be due to their personal circumstances. We are continuing to pursue other options to assist this cohort of our community.

Why are you increasing resident permit costs?

Resident permits are allocated on a ratio according to the number of beds within their hall of residence. This creates inequities between residents who are successful in applying for a permit, and those who are not. Those who are successful receive a space in the Dickson or Kingsley parking stations at student surface rates, currently $1.40 per day. However, unsuccessful residents (residents are not permitted to purchase a surface parking permit) have no choice but to apply for another parking station space, currently $6.26 per day. To ensure equity across all residents, one parking station rate will apply.

Why are Honorary permits increasing in parking stations?

ANU recognises the invaluable contribution these permit holders make to the University by retaining the current free surface parking arrangements. However, parking station fees, (historically below student parking station rates) will align with staff parking station fees from 2025.

Are parking permits only for 5-days per week? Can we have a parking permit for 2, 3 or 4 days per week to accommodate staff working from home?

We understand that many in our community use flexible work arrangements including working from home. Generally speaking, working from home arrangements tend to change frequently depending on the staff member’s work requirements and personal situation. Due to our current systems and technical capability, it would be impossible to manage these fluctuations and enforce parking compliance if the permit holder attended campus outside their designated days.