Visitor permits allow residents' visitors to park in Resident Permit Holders Only parking bays.
Permits are available at £2.80 a day, £1.70 for half a day (up to five hours) or £8.00 a week.
Visitors permits can be used when required. Please make sure the correct date is scratched off the permit before you use it. Conditions of use are on the reverse of the permit – you should read these before validating the permit.
How to apply for a permit
Complete an application form for the permit. This forms are available at the Parking Shop, AccessPoint Catford or you can download and print forms here.
When you have filled in the form, take it to the Parking Shop or Access Point Catford with proof of address (for example, your driving licence or a utility bill).
If you are not an existing resident permit holder, you should also bring:
- your current council tax bill
- OR a latest bank statement showing a direct debit council tax payment)
Alternatively, if your name is listed on the current electoral register, we can call the Electoral Services to gain proof of your residence (only available Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm).
The weekly permits must be used on the same vehicle for a consecutive seven day period. When purchasing a visitor permit you will need to be on the electoral register. You will need to supply proof of residency in the form of your council tax book or your most recent council tax bill or be included on the electoral register.
Each visitor permit entitles one visitor to park for the duration of time purchased within the operating hours of the zone. These permits are sold in scratch card form and can be purchased in advance for use as and when necessary. All you need to do is scratch off the date you wish to start the permit and clearly display in the vehicle. Residents can purchase as many single day permits as they wish, however there is a limit of 12 per year for the weekly permits.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Lewisham charge for visitor permits?
If we gave unlimited numbers of visitors' permits to residents at no or very low cost there would be a temptation for some people to sell permits on to commuters/workers etc, thus undermining the purpose of the zone. This sounds cynical on the part of the Council, but it has in fact been the experience of other Councils.
The cost of visitor permits is carefully balanced to discourage fraud whilst keeping the cost affordable. Consultation on parking controls showed the cost of visitor permits to be one of the main areas of concern among residents. To address this, the Council has introduced a half-day visitor permit in addition to the existing all-day Visitor permit. Half-day permits cost £1.70 and allow parking for up to five hours of the operating hours of the zone.
Do I have to buy visitors' permits?
You will need a visitor permit if your visitor wishes to park in a residents' bay in the zone during zone operating times (Monday to Saturday, excluding bank holidays). A permit is not necessary outside of the zone operating times. If you do not wish to buy a visitors permit your visitor will need to park in one of the following places:
- on your driveway or your land
- outside the operating times of the zone when parking is free and unrestricted
- in a pay and display space.