Parallel Parking connects motorists with designated parking spaces

MOTORISTS can be guaranteed a designated parking space before leaving their home with the new Parallel Parking app — dubbed the Airbnb of parking spots.

App creators Alex Peck and Jack Perkins with head of technology Peter Carey. Picture: Craig Wilson

MOTORISTS can be guaranteed a designated parking space before leaving their home with the new Parallel Parking app — dubbed the Airbnb of parking spots.

The app, which was launched earlier this month, has been designed to connect homeowners who have unoccupied car spaces with drivers who want affordable, convenient and guaranteed parking.

Co-founders Jack Perkins and Alex Peck set up an app, using their background in marketing and economics, after struggling to find vacant parking spaces at university.

The young entrepreneurs will do a letterbox drop at Kensington and Kingsford, encouraging residents to register a spot on the new app after an online petition was set up over the parking time restriction changes implemented by Randwick Council on August 12.

The parking will be about 30 per cent cheaper than other parking prices.

“The commuter parking crisis across Sydney is one of the reasons a school friend and I set up Parallel Parking,” Mr Perkins, 24, said.

“We experienced very similar issues that UNSW is currently facing with limited parking surrounding our universities. The parking that was available was often metered, forcing us to walk 20 to 30 minutes to class.

App creators Alex Peck and Jack Perkins with head of technology Peter Carey (centre). Picture: Craig Wilson

“With Parallel Parking, homeowners get the chance to earn a second income by renting out their car spaces, while drivers get access to cheap and convenient parking on demand.

“Our goal is to create a solution by providing easy parking for commuters around train stations, universities and hospitals.”

Mr Perkins said the app already had 1000 downloads, about 500 active users and 50 listings across Sydney. So far, at least 15 residents across the southeast had downloaded the app and were earning money for parking.

The app shows you were car parks are available in different areas.

“With parking at a high demand, homeowners could be earning up to $3000 a year for parking,” he said.

“There is hourly, daily, weekly or monthly options available. It’s about $50 a week.

“The app is targeted for people around areas with a lack of commuter parking including Kensington, Bondi, North Sydney and the inner CBD.

“Homeowners give up their driveway, garage or carport space when they do not need it.”

For more details visit parallelparking.com.au

Have you used this app to sell your parking space? Email [e-mail]

Originally published as Parallel Parking connects motorists with designated parking spaces