We’re making it easier to find and manage parking in Carnegie, Bentleigh and Elsternwick with the introduction of smart parking technology.
Parking sensors and PayStay app
Parking sensors have been installed in Council car parks and selected on-street parking bays in the activity centres of Carnegie, Bentleigh and Elsternwick.
Finding a parking space in busy neighbourhoods can be challenging, especially during peak times. That’s why we’re working with the community and local businesses to make parking around our shopping strips easier to find, fairer to use, and better shared.
As more people visit our centres to shop, work and connect, demand for parking continues to grow. Community feedback consistently tells us that people want parking to be simpler, more accessible and better managed for everyone.
To support this, we’ve introduced smart parking sensors and the PayStay app to help make parking easier to find and manage in key shopping areas.
The parking sensors and the PayStay app will go live from Sunday 1 June.
How smart parking sensors work
Smart parking sensors have been installed in Council car park and selected on- street parking bays in the activity centres of Carnegie, Bentleigh and Elsternwick parks.
How the sensors work
The sensors:
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Are small electronic devices installed underneath parking bays
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Detect when a vehicle arrives in and leaves a parking bay
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Measure how long a parking bay is occupied and how often it turns over
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Alert parking officers when a vehicle has overstayed the signed time limit
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Help Council understand parking demand and usage patterns
What the sensors do not do
The sensors do not:
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Record licence plate numbers
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Identify vehicles
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Track individual drivers
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Collect personal information
This technology helps make parking management more efficient and supports fair access to time limited parking spaces.
PayStay app
PayStay is a free app that shows real time parking availability in areas where parking sensors installed.
Using the app can help you:
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Find available parking spaces more easily
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Reduce time spent driving around looking for parking
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Plan your parking with more confidence
Checking the PayStay app before you head out is a simple way to make your trip smoother and less stressful.
Why Council is using parking sensors
Data collected from parking sensors helps Council to:
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Improve turnover in high demand parking areas
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Reduce overstaying in timed parking zones
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Keep accessible parking spaces available for those who need them
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Make evidence based decisions about future parking improvements and changes
The parking sensors also help improve parking management efficiency and support local businesses by making it easier for people to access shops and services.
What happens next
Information collected from the parking sensors will help Council better understand parking demand, peak periods and usage trends across activity centres.
These insights will guide future parking improvements, including reviews of parking restrictions and changes to support better access at different times of day, including evenings.
We will continue to share updates as this work progresses, helping ensure our shopping strips remain vibrant, accessible and easy to enjoy for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Do parking sensors track my vehicle or collect my personal information?
No. Parking sensors only detect whether a parking space is occupied or vacant. They do not record licence plate numbers, identify vehicles or track individual drivers.
The data collected is anonymous and used only to understand parking demand and usage patterns.
Do parking rules or time limits change because of sensors?
No. Existing parking restrictions and time limits still apply unless otherwise signed. The sensors simply help Council manage parking more effectively.
Do the sensors issue fines?
No. The sensors do not automatically issue fines.
The sensors alert our parking officers when a vehicle has overstayed the signed time, helping manage time-limited parking fairly so more people can access parking spaces.
The sensors record when a vehicle enters and leaves a parking bay. If a vehicle appears to have overstayed the signed time limit, a nearby parking officer may receive an alert. The officer will then check the situation in person before deciding whether a parking infringement should be issued.
Do I need the PayStay app to park?
No. The PayStay app is optional. It is a helpful tool to check parking availability, but you can park as usual without using the app.
Is the PayStay app free?
Yes. The PayStay app is free to download and use.
Why can’t I see parking availability everywhere?
Real time availability is only shown in areas where parking sensors are installed. Additional locations may be added over time if the program expands.
How does this help local businesses?
By improving parking turnover and availability, more customers can access shops, cafés and services throughout the day, supporting local businesses and activity centres.
