Digital visitor parking permits

From Autumn 2025, the council will be switching from physical visitor permit books to digital packs. Each household will be eligible for 120 parking credits, with one credit equal to one hour of parking. Credits are automatically deducted as permits are used.

You’ll be entitled to 2 free digital packs of visitor permits, and you can request up to 5 additional packs for a fee.

How to order scratchcard packs

How to book visitor permit sessions

1. Applying for visitor permits:
   • Each household is entitled to two free packs of visitor permits and can request up to five additional packs for a fee.
   • Each pack contains 120 credits, with one credit equal to one hour of parking.
   • Visitor sessions can now be booked by the hour.
   • Log into your account to apply for visitor permit packs.
2. Booking a visitor session:
   • Once your pack is issued, log in and go to ‘My Bookings’.
   • Select the number of credits, enter the date, start time, and vehicle registration.
   • The system will automatically calculate and display the expiry time.
3. Understanding credits:
   • 1 credit = 1 hour of parking.
   • A full pack of 120 credits provides 120 hours of visitor parking.
4. Confirmation and reminders:
   • You won’t receive an email confirmation for booked sessions.
   • You can view all active and past bookings in ‘My Bookings’.
   • Set a reminder for your session under the ‘Actions’ menu.
5. Ordering more credits:
   • After using one pack, you can apply for additional packs (if eligible).
   • Go to ‘Apply for a Permit’ to request more credits.
6. Mistakes and amendments:
   • Once a session is confirmed, you cannot amend vehicle registration, start date, or time.
   • However, you can cancel a session before it begins.
7. Requesting physical permits
   • To request physical scratch card permits instead of digital ones, email residents.parking@reading.gov.uk.
   • The team will check availability and advise you further.