Permit management rules and definitions

Rules

Resident permits

  • Each household will be eligible for 2 permits within a permit zone
    • 1st permit: £48
    • 2nd permit: £180
  • Permits are for domestic vehicles only (no commercial vehicles)

Visitor permits

  • Every household gets 2 free visitor packs/books (each pack = 120 one-hour sessions or 1 book = 20 half-days)
  • Each household can buy up to 5 extra packs/books (600 sessions/100 half-days) at £26 per pack/book
  • More packs available on request

Business permits

  • Businesses in a permit zone can get 1 permit for £331
  • Businesses can also buy up to 5 visitor packs (600 one-hour sessions)
  • Community Agencies can buy unlimited visitor packs

Discretionary permits

  • Each application will be dealt with on their own merits – valid for 1 year, no guaranteed renewal
TypeCost
Business£398
CarerFree
Charity/Community AgencyFree (1st), £145 (2nd–4th)
Daily Tradesperson / Landlord£8 online / £12 offline (1 day, max 30 per vehicle/year)
Education Establishment£48
Emergency Cover (1 week)£36
Exceptional Circumstance£398
Healthcare Professional£48
Landlord£398
Medical Practitioner£48
Resident – 1st / 2nd / 3rd+£48 / £180 / £362
Temporary (8 weeks)£19
Tradesperson£398
Visitor Permits (digital packs or physical books)Free or £26

Non-permit holder parking

  • Designated “limited waiting” areas in all zones
    • 2-hour limit between 10am–4pm (Mon–Sun), No return within 4 hours

Permit management rules definitions

Business

A business is any person, partnership, or corporation engaged in commerce, manufacturing, or service operations. Businesses within Parking Permit Zones must:

  • Not have off-street parking.
  • Demonstrate frequent and essential vehicle use during business hours.
  • Permits are not allowed for commuter parking or for employees seeking to park near their workplace all day.

Business Parking Permit:

  • Valid for 1 year.
  • One permit per vehicle.
  • Digital permits only
  • Requires proof of business use and business address.
  • Charges will apply

Carers

A carer supports a partner, family member, or friend in a permit zone, but does not live with them. The resident applying for the permit must be over 65 years of age and/or disabled.

Carer Permit:

  • Valid for 1 year.
  • Issued to non-resident vehicles, up to three vehicles per permit
  • Limited to one permit per household.
  • Physical permits only.
  • Requires proof of residency, age/disability, and vehicle ownership (confirming non-residents).
  • Applications must be from residents.
  • Not normally issued to households with one or two existing residents permits. Only in exceptional circumstances will an additional Carer permit be issued.
  • No Charge.

Change of Address

  • Any existing physical(s) permit must be returned for cancellation.
  • The digital permit(s) must be cancelled in the Council’s online portal.
  • Relocating within or to a different Parking Permit Zone requires a new application
  • In some circumstances, the permit may be transferred to the new household. The permits transferred would be on a like for like basis and has to be available at the new household

Change of Vehicle

  • The existing physical permit must be returned for cancellation.
  • A new physical permit will be issued.
  • Digital permits are updated by the applicant through the Council’s online portal.
  • Supporting documents must be submitted (e.g., proof of new vehicle ownership).
  • A discretionary application may be required if the permit is not returned.
  • A charge may apply for processing the change of physical permit.

Charges (or Fees)

Cover the cost of processing and production of the permit.

  • Including cover cost of enforcement of the Parking Permit Zones
  • No refunds except for circumstances set out below
  • Transfer of fee paid in certain circumstances as set out below

Charity & Community Agencies

Charity means – A registered charity that supports vulnerable clients within the Parking Permit Zone or a charity located within the Parking Permit Zone whereby staff use their cars regularly.

Community Agency means – a place of worship/religious establishment based within the permit parking zone.

  • Intended for frequent care related duties

Charity & Community Agency Permit:

  • Valid for 1 year.
  • One permit per vehicle.
  • Digital Permits only.
  • Permits will be Zone specific.
  • All Zone permits will be limited.
  • Requires proof of charity/community agency status, vehicle ownership to include business use.
  • Charges will apply

Community Agency Visitor Permits

  • Unlimited visitor permits.
  • Requires proof of community agency status.
  • Charges will apply

Commercial Vehicles

Vehicles or trailers that are built or adapted for carrying goods, equipment, or other loads in connection with a business or trade. This includes vehicles used for deliveries, haulage, or service provision, and may include those displaying company branding (liveried vehicles). Under current policy, such vehicles are not eligible for residents’ parking permits.

  • Vehicles exceeding 5.3m long and 2.25m high are not eligible for a permit.
  • Vehicles used for work purposes that are less than these measurements may be eligible for a permit.

Domestic Vehicles

Vehicles up to 5.3m long and 2.25m high, used for personal transport. Adapted disabled vehicles and private hire/hackney carriage taxis are included (except those licensed to carry more than 8 passengers).

Digital Permit

A digital permit linked to the vehicle’s registration number and Parking Permit Zone.

  • No physical display is required.
  • Enforcement is conducted through electronic verification.
  • Accessible and manageable through the Council’s online portal.

Discretionary Applications

For circumstances not covered by standard rules (e.g. third permits, nanny, foreign registered).

Discretionary Permits:

  • Valid for 1 year.
  • One permit per vehicle.
  • Permits may be issued digitally or as physical permits.
  • Proofs of circumstance required.
  • Statement of reason required.
  • No right to renew
  • Charges will apply
  • Flat fee applies for any Visitor permit packs/books

Duplicate/Replacement

Reissued physical permit due to loss or stolen original.

  • Requires application and fee (except for theft with crime reference).

Educational Established (Previously Teachers)

Issued to employees at a schools/nursery within Parking Permit Zones.

  • School Travel plans to be submitted every two years.
  • Must have little/no off-street parking.
  • Limited per school based on available off-street parking (see June 2025 TMSC for limits per school).
  • Allocation to be determined by school
  • Applications above the limit will be dealt with as discretionary Business applications.

Educational Established Permit (previously Teacher Permit):

  • Valid for 1 year during term time (7am–8pm).
  • One permit per vehicle.
  • Digital Permits only.
  • Requires proof of employment and vehicle ownership.
  • Charges will apply

Educational Established – Visitor Permits:

Issued to cover supply Teachers only

  • Additional packs will only be issued once confirmed packs expired and used for supply Teachers
  • Maximum 5 packs per year
  • Requires proof of business address
  • Flat fee applies per pack

Emergency Cover Permit

Issued in cases like moving house, temporary vehicle change or exceptional circumstance.

  • Valid for 7 days only
  • One permit per vehicle
  • Issued to eligible households only
  • Digital Permit only
  • One permit per 6 months
  • Requires statement of reasons.
  • No entitlement to renew.
  • Charges will apply

Healthcare Professionals

Professionals who support vulnerable individuals or children (excluding medical doctors) may be eligible for a permit if they make frequent visits or stay longer than two hours. Supervisory roles are not included

  • Professions previously included: District Nurse, Community Health Nurse, Practice Midwife, Community Midwife, Home Care Assistant, Health Visitor, Midwife, Community Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse, Consultant Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologist, Occupational Therapist and Social Workers (RBC and NHS), Education Welfare Officer; Family Worker; Youth Offending Service Worker; Specialist Youth Support Worker.
  • Healthcare professionals who require parking for visits exceeding two hours, or who make frequent visits throughout the day, may be eligible for a permit upon providing appropriate evidence.
  • For visits lasting two hours or less, parking should be made in the designated limited waiting bays, which allow up to two hours for non-permit holders.

Healthcare Professional Permit:

  • Valid for 1 year.
  • One permit per vehicle
  • Digital Permits only.
  • Issued as “All Zone” permits
  • Only valid while visiting patients in Parking Permit Zone.
  • Not valid in Doctor Permit bays, Pay and display bays, yellow lines etc
  • Not valid for practice locations, training, or errands.
  • Requires proof of role and vehicle ownership.
  • Charges will apply

Household

A household refers to a residential unit within a Parking Permit Zone that meets the following conditions:

  • Must be a house or flat, that is registered for Council Tax.
  • Must have the necessary planning permissions for residential use.
  • Must not have planning conditions or informative that restrict parking permit eligibility.
  • Must have a valid Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) (via GIS system)

Additional Clarifications:

  • Properties with a Certificate of Lawful Use may be eligible for up to 2 resident permits for the entire property. Additional permits require a discretionary application.
  • Properties with planning restrictions (conditions or informative) will not automatically qualify for a permit. Applications will be considered on a discretionary basis.
  • Properties without planning permission will not automatically qualify for a permit. Applications will be considered on a discretionary basis.
  • Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are limited to 2 resident permits per property.
  • Prior approved properties have no automatic entitlement. Permit applications will be assessed on a discretionary basis.

Landlord

A landlord is any individual or business entity that owns residential property within a Parking Permit Zone and is responsible for its rental, lease, or management.

  • Permits are intended for use only while carrying out property management or maintenance duties—not for residential or commuter parking.

Landlord Permits – Annual

  • Valid for 1 year
  • One permit per vehicle
  • Digital Permits only.
  • Issued as “All Zone” permits
  • Not valid in Doctor Permit bays, Pay and display bays, yellow lines etc
  • Requires proof of property ownership and vehicle ownership including business use.
  • Charges will apply

Landlord Permits – Daily

  • Maximum 30 day permits per year, per vehicle.
  • Digital Permits only.
  • Requires statement of works.
  • Charges will apply

Medical Practitioners (Doctor)

Doctors operating from premises in permit zones.

Medical Practitioner (Doctor) Permit:

  • Valid for 1 year.
  • One permit per vehicle
  • Digital Permits only.
  • Issued as “All Zone” permits
  • Valid in “Doctor’s” Permit Bays
  • Only valid for professional duties.
  • Not valid in Pay and display bays, yellow lines etc
  • Requires proof of medical status and vehicle ownership.
  • Charges will apply

Misuse and Abuse

Includes fraudulent applications, false declarations, or permit tampering. Council may investigate and revoke permits without notice.

Off-Street Parking

Parking located on private land, not the public highway.

Parking Permit Zones

Designated areas with residential permit bays. Defined in the “Master Street List.”

Proof Requirements

  • Business Address: Utility bills or business rates (within 4 months).
  • Business Use: Insurance for business purposes.
  • Carer Need: Resident declaration and proof of age/disability: Passport, Birth Certificate, Disabled Badge, DWP letter.
  • Charity Status: Registered charity number.
  • Community Agency: Utility bills or business rates (within 4 months)
  • Educational Establishment: Confirmation of employment at school
  • Healthcare Professional: Confirmation of employment; Job Description confirming community based
  • Landlord: proof of property ownership; solicitor completion letter, mortgage statement, property deeds, land registry documents
  • Medical Practitioner: medical status as medical practitioner; GMC number
  • Tradesperson: business address and business use
  • Residency: Utility bills, bank statements, or current Council tax bill (within 4 months); confirming name and address.
    • Excludes tenancy agreements and mobile phone bills
  • Statement of Reasons: Explanation of why the permit is needed.
  • Temporary: new car vehicle evidence, temporary vehicle change, moving house evidence
  • Vehicle Ownership: DVLA V5 document or insurance; confirming name, permit address and vehicle details.
    • Includes company vehicles, lease, rental; with letter of authorisation & insurance
    • Excludes vehicles registered at a different address
  • Additional Supporting Documentation:
    • Proof of Employment or Business Activity: Contract, business registration, or letter from employer.
    • Proof of Frequent or Extended Visits: Appointment schedules, service logs, or client visit records.
    • Proof of Property Ownership or Tenancy: Mortgage statement, tenancy agreement, or council tax bill.
    • Professional Accreditation or ID: For tradespeople, healthcare professionals, or educators.
    • Letter of Justification: From a manager, client, or organisation explaining the need for regular access or parking.
    • Event or Project Documentation: For temporary or project-based work (e.g. construction, maintenance).

Physical Permit

A physical permit issued by the Council.

  • Must be clearly displayed in the vehicle’s front windscreen.
  • Includes details such as Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM), make, colour, zone, expiry date, and a unique reference number.
  • Often colour coded for quick visual identification.

RBC Pool Vehicles

RBC livered vehicles only, not personal vehicles of RBC employees

RBC Pool Vehicles Permit

  • Valid for 1 year.
  • One permit per vehicle.
  • Digital Permits only
  • “All Zone” permits issued
  • Charges will apply

Refunds and Transfers

  • Refunds apply only to second resident permits.
  • Physical permits must be returned to the Council.
  • Digital permits must be cancelled through the Council’s online portal.
  • Refunds are prorated based on the remaining time.
  • A maximum refund limit applies.
  • The second resident permit holder can request a transfer to become the first permit holder at either the same or a new address. Refunds will be prorated.
  • Both first and second resident permit holders can request a transfer to a new address. This is subject to providing valid proof of the new address. The permit expiry date remains unchanged.

Residents

Someone who lives in a permit zone household for 4 or more nights a week.

Resident Permit:

  • Valid for 1 year.
  • One permit per vehicle.
  • Permits may be issued digitally or as physical permits.
    • physical permits for “offline” accounts i.e. no email address
  • Zone Specific
  • Requires proof of residency and vehicle ownership.
  • Charges will apply

Signed Declaration

A dated and signed statement confirming details of the resident/business and vehicle.

Statement of Reasons

Explanation of why the permit is needed. The more detail you provide, the better the Council can understand the situation.

  • such as:
    • Why you need to park in the permit zone
    • How often and for how long you need to park
    • Any exceptional circumstances (e.g. health)

Temporary Permits

Issued in cases like moving in, vehicle change, temporary accommodation.

  • Issued for 8-weeks only
  • One permit per vehicle
  • Digital Permits only.
  • Requires temporary proof depending on circumstances.
  • Not renewable.
  • Charges will apply

Tradespersons

Permit to carry out services within a permit zone (not valid for their own business location).

  • Not in Doctors’ bays, Pay & Display only bays, limited waiting bays, or on yellow lines.
  • Not for parking at your own business if it’s in a permit zone.
  • Not for visiting places outside of permit zones, even if you park in a permit bay.

Tradesperson Permit – Annual:

  • Valid for 1 year.
  • Time-limited – 7am to 7pm
  • One permit per vehicle
  • Digital Permits only.
  • Proof of business and business use.
  • Charges will apply

Tradesperson Permit – Daily:

  • Maximum 30 day permits per year, per vehicle.
  • Time-limited – 7am to 7pm
  • Digital Permits only.
  • Requires statement of works and job location required.
  • Charges will apply

Traffic Management Sub-Committee (TMSC)

Appeal panel for refused discretionary applications.

Transitional Arrangements

Allows an additional third permit for new households in new permit zones for 1 year.

Visitor

A visitor is any individual who does not reside at the property but is temporarily attending for social, caregiving, or support purposes. This includes friends, family members, or informal carers who are not employed in a professional capacity.

Visitor Permits

Digital Permits
  • Issued in packs of 120 one-hour sessions.
  • First 2 packs are free; up to 5 more packs can be bought.
  • Only valid in specific parking permit zone.
  • Non-transferable and non-refundable.
  • Flat fee applies per additional pack.
Physical Permits (Scratch Cards)
  • Sold in books of 20 half-day permits.
    • AM: 8am–2pm
    • PM: 2pm–10am (next day)
  • First 2 books are free; up to 5 more books can be bought.
  • Only for households without online access.
  • Only valid in specific parking permit zone.
  • Non-transferable and non-refundable.
  • Flat fee applies per additional book.
Last updated on 20/08/2025