Car Share Parking Policy

Update October 2025

The final outcomes of the consultation were included in a Council Report and considered at a Council Meeting in October 2025.

Council resolved 'That the General Manager review the Revised Car Share Policy presented to tonight’s meeting for adoption, in light of concerns raised by Councillors at this meeting, makes any necessary revisions to the Policy, and returns the matter to the November Council meeting'  

Read the report to Council and minutes (Item 11.9)  using this link.

Background

Council supports car sharing as a sustainable transport mode to reduce private vehicle ownership, improve kerbside management, and lower emissions. The existing Car Share Parking Policy (adopted 2016) is now outdated and no longer aligned with the evolving shared mobility landscape or current industry standards. A comprehensive policy review has been completed.

We are seeking feedback on the revised draft Car Share Parking Policy that introduces a more structured, performance-based approach to car share space allocation and management across the Willoughby Local Government Area.

Key proposed changes in the revised draft Policy:

• Precinct-Based Planning:
  Designates priority growth precincts (e.g. Chatswood CBD, St Leonards, Artarmon) for early rollout based on density, activity, and transport access.
• Performance Benchmarks:
  Minimum usage thresholds (e.g. 10 bookings/month or 40 hours/month) to retain allocated car share spaces; inactive sites may be reallocated.
• Equity and Competition Measures:
  No more than 75% of on-street car share spaces in any precinct can be assigned to a single operator. This ensures diverse market access and helps keep pricing competitive for the community by avoiding dominance by a single provider.
• Floating vs Fixed Spaces:
  The policy clarifies that only fixed-location spaces are permitted. 'Floating' car share is not supported under current conditions.
• Private Development Integration:
  To help reduce traffic congestion and private car ownership, while maintaining ease of access for residents in new developments, Council is proposing a revised car share substitution rate. The intent is to encourage greater collaboration between car share operators and private developments, supporting sustainable transport choices in higher-density areas. This proposal will be subject to further consideration as part of the next Development Control Plan (DCP) review.
• Sustainability Focus:
  Preference given to electric or low-emission vehicles; sustainability credentials will influence operator selection.
• Operator Obligations:
  Quarterly reporting, compliance audits, and activation timelines introduced to improve transparency and accountability.

Who will be affected:

• Car share operators
• Developers and strata managers
• Residents and businesses in high-density or high-demand parking areas
• Users and potential users of car share services

Submissions closed Sunday 10 August 2025

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