<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Customers hoping to nab a free parking spot at a </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/sydney" rel="" target="_blank" title="Sydney"><span>Sydney</span></a><span> Bunnings store have noticed signs which ask them to download an app or risk a fine.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The signs at Bunnings in Balgowlah on the Northern Beaches urged customers to register via an app, even if they want to use the two hours of free parking.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Drivers complained about the sign to 2GB after realising they needed to download an app in the underground carpark, where there is limited phone reception.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/victoria-weather-news-clean-up-under-way-after-heavy-storms-lash-state/748cfdbc-626d-4404-9e6b-51f1a3a9020e" target="_blank"><strong><span>'Rare' tornado formed across multiple suburbs during wild storms</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/south-east-queensland-total-fire-ban/d661fb00-173d-45d6-87eb-2893c95eb3fc" target="_blank"><strong><span>Tens of thousands without power as Brisbane swelters</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"All parkers must register on the app including 2 hours free," the Secure Parking sign reads.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It included a QR code which asked motorists to download an app and register details, including number plates.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/bunnings-balgowlah-parking-sign-customers-complain-over-app-instructions/b3337525-d440-46f5-a3ba-92357cefe142" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>To add to the confusion, Bunnings later confirmed the signage at the Balgowlah store was incorrect and that pay machines would be installed as an alternative to an app.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Customers at the Balgowlah store who need to park for more than two hours will pay a flat rate of $5 and can register using the app or pay at the machine.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Other Sydney Bunnings stores, including in Rose Bay and Campbelltown, have introduced paid parking to increase availability.</span></div></div><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="150px" src="https://omny.fm/shows/the-drive-program/parking-punishment-sydneysiders-forced-to-download-app-just-to-park/embed" width="100%"></iframe></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/finance/australia-economy-2026-outlook-oxford-economics-report/5fec4592-2192-49a6-b46b-97d50a12d858" target="_blank"><strong><span>New financial 'pain' coming - but there's a silver lining</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Tech expert Trevor Long told 2GB drivers shouldn't be asked to give up their personal data in order to park.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"If you're going to go to a mobile phone-based system, you've got to make it simple," Long said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We shouldn't have to hand over our personal information to park our car.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"I'm all for the app economy, but there's too many apps for some things."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-to-follow-9news-digital/29855bb1-ad3d-4c38-bc25-3cb52af1216f" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span>: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. 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