THERE was plenty of angst and frustration when Port Stephens locals were required to sign up for the free Smart Parking permit access to areas such as the Nelson Bay CBD.

The meters were first turned on in December 2020, and after confusion around when the permits needed to be renewed, Council has offered clarification.

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A representative of Port Stephens Council told News Of The Area, “The permits originally were due to expire two years from the original sign ups (roughly December 2022).

“We previously discussed and agreed to automatically renew the permits past this expiry date, through to 30 June 2024.

“At this stage people will be required to renew their permits prior to this date.”

Residents can rest assured that they won’t be caught out without notice as Council went on to confirm, ”Our Smart Parking team have confirmed that there will be communication leading up to the expiry date regarding the renewal of permits, so people are made aware and have a chance to renew before the permit validity lapses.”

By Marian SAMPSON