Digital parking permits

You will be able to apply for a digital resident permit. The permit will not be delivered to your address, as they are virtual.

From 1 November if you already hold a valid paper resident permit, you will no longer need to display this in your vehicle.

Visitor scratch cards will continue apart from in Zone 02R (Lower Caversham).

Yes you must apply online.

If you cannot apply online, you can still use the paper-based version of the system by applying how you normally would outside of the trial. Visit the apply for or renew a parking permit page.

We will email you a reminder 4 weeks before your permit expires. You can always check your permit status by logging into your account at any time.

If you have an existing parking permit, an account has been created for you with your current parking permit details. This is linked to the email address that was used to create the existing permit.

Use the ‘Forgotten your password’ link to reset your own password for the account to review your current permit details and manage your parking.

We aim to introduce this with minimal impact. At this time, you will not have to provide proof of address or vehicle to enable renewals, as per the existing scheme.

There will not be a process to check if a vehicle does or does not have a permit due to data protection rules.

Unless displaying a visitor scratch card, no cars will be required to display a paper resident permit. If you believe a vehicle is not a resident or a visitor to another house in the zone then you are able to report an illegally parked vehicle.

You can use this form to report an illegally parked vehicle.

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.