Community & Social Services
Parking Inspector
Parking inspectors patrol on-street and off-street parking areas to ensure parking space and time regulations are adhered to.
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Entry-level education
Junior secondary school certificate or equivalent
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Job outlook
What does a Parking Inspector do?
Parking inspectors patrol on-street and off-street parking areas to ensure parking space and time regulations are adhered to.
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Work activities
As a parking inspector you would:
- patrol public streets and council car parks
- inspect parked vehicles and parking metres to make sure that regulations are being followed
- record and issue penalty notices for illegal parking or overstaying time limits
- use hand-held or digital recording or monitoring devices
- identify abandoned vehicles and report to police
- explain regulations to motorists
- drive cars mounted with cameras which record vehicle number plates.
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Key skills and interests
To become a parking inspector, you would need:
- to enjoy outdoor work
- a polite but firm manner
- good communication skills
- the ability to handle difficult situations in a calm and professional way
- a knowledge of the regulations you are enforcing
- occupational health and safety awareness
- a current drivers' licence.
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Working hours and conditions
Working Hours
You would usually work a standard number of hours in a week, across shifts which may include weekends. Part-time work may be available.
Conditions
You may spend most of the day patrolling on foot and be out in all weathers. You would wear a uniform, sturdy shoes and waterproof clothing if necessary.
You may use a vehicle to travel between different areas, or to take meter readings using car-mounted equipment, depending on your job and the area you are patrolling.
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How to become an Parking Inspector?
Entry Level Education
You can work as a parking inspector without formal qualifications. You would get some training on the job. Some local government bodies or councils might offer traineeships in Local Government (Regulatory Services).
You may need to pass a police check and medical assessment. A current drivers’ licence for cars and motorcycles may also be required.
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Job outlook
The number of employment opportunities for parking inspectors is expected to remain relatively stable.
Parking inspectors are usually employed by local councils, or by private car park operators. As technologies such as car-mounted cameras and in-ground sensors for parking enforcement become more prevalent, the number of job opportunities for parking officers are likely to decrease.
However, the increasing population and number of vehicles, and the subsequent demand for car spaces and car parking, will likely lead to greater compliance and enforcement by councils and car park operators, and will create opportunities for parking officers.
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