Why do I have to pay for a permit to park outside my own house?
There are two answers to this question.
The government requires all Councils to ensure that their Controlled Parking Zones are self-financing. The revenue is raised via a combination of income received through penalty charge notices, permit sales and pay and display income. Revenue received is used to maintain the signs and lines and to provide regular enforcement by our parking attendants.
In fact the road outside your home (unless you live on a private road where the Council cannot introduce parking controls) is a public highway and that means that any driver has an equal right to park, providing they are not contravening any existing parking restriction or causing an obstruction. In effect, your permit allows you to park during the prescribed hours of the zone and the exclusion of non-permit holders.
Does my permit guarantee me a space outside my house?
Your permit entitles you to park anywhere in the zone to which it applies. There is no measure that the Council or anyone else can use to guarantee you a space directly outside your home on the public highway.
How do we know if we are parking in a permit parking area?
All areas where parking is restricted to permit holders will have signs erected on the pavement and will have markings on the road informing everyone that parking in that area is designated for specify use; such as ‘resident permit holders only’.
How long does a permit last?
Normally, permits are purchased annually. Some permits can be purchased quarterly or half yearly. Contact the parking shop for further information.
How long does it take to get a permit?
New applications for permits are processed very quickly, usually within two days of receipt, provided you have supplied all the necessary information. If additional information or clarification is required then the issue of your permit may be delayed until the required information is provided.
How do I renew an existing permit?
Every year, prior to your permit expiry a reminder letter will be sent to you, advising that your permit is due for renewal Please note that it is the permit holder’s responsibility to ensure that permits are renewed on time. If your permit is due to expire please do not rely on the receipt of the reminder letter before renewing your permit. To renew your permit please contact the NCP parking shop or the council’s Access Point at Laurence House.
What if I change my vehicle during the year?
You will need to change your permit as your existing permit will not be valid to use on your new vehicle. There is no charge for changing the details on your permit provided you take your old permit together the new registration document or bill of sale for your new vehicle to the NCP parking shop. Details will not be changed without the return of your old permit. Permits can be changed while you wait.
If I am a Blue Badge holder and live in a CPZ, do I need a resident’s permit?
Yes if you wish to park in a resident only parking bay. You are not entitled to park in a ‘resident only’ parking bay unless you have a valid resident permit. If you have a dual purpose bay (permit holders or pay & display) outside your property, then you are entitled to park with your blue badge and you do not need to apply for a resident’s permit. Resident permits are issued free of charge to valid blue badge holders. One free permit is issued per household.
If I am a Senior Citizen and live in a CPZ do I have to pay for a resident’s permit?
Yes, we do not offer discounted permits to Senior Citizens.