Overview
If the Parkable app shows no spaces available, it means there are no spaces you can book right now — even if some spaces look empty. Empty-looking spaces are often reserved for the parking facility's members or permit holders, or held for someone who has booked but hasn't arrived yet, so they aren't available for casual parking. Do not park in a space without an active session — this could lead to conflicts or penalties.
A parking facility may show as full because:
Spaces are reserved for members or permit holders, even if they're currently empty
All available spaces are allocated to other users who are yet to arrive
The parking facility is temporarily closed for maintenance or an event
Some spaces are temporarily unavailable due to restrictions
What you can do
If no spaces are available, you have two options:
Use auto-start session — join a queue and have your session started automatically when a space becomes available. Tap the No space available card on the car park details screen to get started
Find another parking facility — see How do I find a car park in the app? for how to browse nearby parking facilities
Auto-start session
Instead of constantly checking the app for availability, you can join a queue and get notified when a space becomes available.
How to enable auto-start
Open the parking facility in the Parkable app
Tap the No space available card if no spaces are currently available
On the next screen, turn on the Start a session automatically option
Set your preferences:
Choose your desired end time for the parking session (default is 2 hours)
Adjust the latest time you want your session to auto-start. If no space becomes available by this time, you'll be removed from the queue
Save your selection and close the app — you don't need to keep it open
When a space becomes available, your session starts automatically and you receive a push notification. Head to the parking facility to use your space.
Tip: Set your time limit based on when you no longer need the space. For example, if you need to leave home by 8am, set the limit to 8am. The default is 2 hours, rounded to the nearest 15 minutes.
How the queue works
Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
You're only charged when your session actually starts — joining the queue is free
If your time limit passes before a space becomes available, you're automatically removed from the queue (no notification is sent)
You can enable auto-start at multiple parking facilities at the same time. When a session starts at one, all other queue positions are cancelled
Make sure your app notifications are enabled so you don't miss the alert when your session starts
FAQs
The parking facility looks empty but the app says it's full — why?
Not every space you can see is available for casual parking. Many spaces are reserved for the parking facility's members or permit holders, so a space can be physically empty but still not available to book. When the app shows the parking facility as full, it means there are no bookable spaces right now — even if some reserved spaces look empty. Parking in one anyway risks an infringement, as you may be in someone else's reserved space. Use the No space available option to join the auto-start queue instead, and your session will start automatically if a space frees up.
Why did someone join the queue after me but get a space first?
Some spaces have access restrictions. For example, if an EV charging space becomes available, only users with EV access will be matched — even if other users are ahead in the queue.
Do I get charged for joining the queue?
No. You're only charged when your session actually starts.
Can I cancel auto-start?
Yes. Open the parking facility in the app and turn off auto-start at any time. You'll be removed from the queue.
Can I see my queue position?
Not currently. The app doesn't show queue position — you just wait for the notification that your session has started.
What happens if I start parking somewhere else while I'm in the queue?
If you manually start a session at another parking facility, your auto-start is automatically cancelled and you're removed from the queue. You can only have one active session at a time.
What happens if the parking facility closes while I'm in the queue?
Your auto-start is automatically deactivated and you're removed from the queue. No session will be started.