Permit information

Definition of a residential parking permit

A residents’ parking permit allows the holder to park in residential permit bays in the relevant zone during the restricted period. Details of the permit can be verified by a Civil Enforcement Officer through the vehicle registration number.

Residential permit zones

Please check permit charges for residential permit availability and prices.

Who can apply and what needs to be provided

Who qualifies

We will issue residential parking permits to applicants:

(a) who permanently reside at an address in the permit parking zone and can provide evidence, and
(b) who own a passenger vehicle constructed or adapted solely for the carriage of no more than 12 passengers (exclusive of the driver) and their effects, and not drawing a trailer, a goods carrying vehicle not exceeding 2.3 metres in height, a motorcycle, or a mechanically propelled invalid carriage

Note: The planning conditions for some new build housing schemes do not allow residents to apply for a residential parking permit. Applications will be cross-checked with the relevant parties, registers, databases, etc.

Proof of residence (new applications)

For renewals, please check your reminder.

A copy of one utility bill shown below must be provided (dated within the last 3 months):

• gas
• electric
• water
• TV licence
• home insurance
• most recent Council Tax bill will be accepted

Note: A Driving Licence will not be accepted as proof of residency.

Not yet moved in?

If you have not yet moved to the address in your application, please provide a letter from your solicitor confirming completion date or tenancy agreement.

Your vehicle details and what you need to provide

Proof of vehicle ownership (new applications)

For renewals, please check your reminder.

Please provide one of the following:

• your vehicle: a copy of the vehicle registration document (V5C)
• company vehicle: (if registered to the company) a letter of authority on letter headed paper signed by an executive or director, confirming the vehicle details and that you have exclusive use of the vehicle
• leased vehicle: a copy of the agreement which must be with a reputable organisation. Your name and address must match those of the hirer as shown on the agreement. If you change or renew the lease, please inform us immediately and provide a copy of the new agreement
• bill of sale: if you have purchased a vehicle and are not yet the registered keeper, we will accept a bill of sale and allow 1 month after the change of vehicle for you to provide a copy of the V5C

Permit valid only for the named vehicle

A permit is valid only for the specific vehicle registration given in the application. Failure to insert a vehicle registration mark correctly may result in a Penalty Charge Notice being issued.

We will reject your application if:

The name and address on the vehicle registration document (V5C) does not match the proof of residence or name given in the application.

Prevention of fraud

In order to ensure the integrity of the permit scheme, the Council may undertake sample checks to verify the applicant’s details, including requesting copy documents as appropriate.

Your information may be shared with third parties such as APCOA for the purpose of processing a permit and the prevention of fraud. If you would like more information about how we use your data, please read our Privacy Policy which also contains guidance on submitting data protection requests and questions.

How long can I have my permit for?

Length of permit and renewals

• the permit will be valid for 3 or 12 months from the date of issue
• it is your responsibility to renew the permit on its expiry
• if you wish to renew your permit, please apply at least 21 days before the current permit expires

Where can I use my permit?

• the vehicle must be parked in a marked bay within the respective zone, where the signage indicates parking is for resident permit holders only, or a shared-use bay when restricted for resident permit holders only
• a permit does not enable you to park in designated permit holders’ spaces where the signs indicate the zone is different to that which the permit was issued for, or on yellow line waiting restrictions, or in pay and display bays (unless otherwise stated)
• a permit does not grant you the right to park outside your home or guarantee the availability of a parking space
• the Council reserves the right to suspend any parking bay as required

Changes to any details and refunds

Change of address or vehicle, including temporary or courtesy vehicles

• you must surrender the permit if you change your address or cease to own or use the vehicle for which the permit was issued
• if you change your vehicle, you will need to amend your details online immediately
• if you do not yet have the vehicle registration document (V5C), we can arrange temporary cover for your vehicle if you provide a copy of the bill of sale immediately and the VQ5 within one month
• if you have the use of a temporary or courtesy vehicle, you must change your details online immediately

Refunds

If you wish to cancel your permit, a refund will be made for any full unexpired months.

Important information

Please note:

1. it is a criminal offence if, with intent to deceive, you knowingly make a false statement or mishandle or forge documents to get a resident parking permit for yourself or others. The Council may prosecute under the Theft Acts or other relevant criminal legislation
2. failure to have a valid permit or inform us of a change of vehicle or address may result in a Penalty Charge Notice being issued
3. the Council reserves the right to withhold or withdraw a permit
4. residents are not permitted to sell or transfer the permit on to other parties

Permit information

Definition of a business parking permit

A business parking permit allows the holder to park in business permit bays in the relevant zone during the restricted period.  Details of the permit can be verified by a Civil Enforcement Officer through the vehicle registration number. (Business permit holders are not permitted to park in residents’ permit bays.)

Business permit zones

Please check permit charges for business permit availability and prices.

Who can apply and what needs to be provided

Which organisations qualify

The Council will issue business parking permits to organisations:

• that occupy premises within the permit zone
• that own a passenger vehicle constructed or adapted solely for the carriage of not more than 12 passengers (exclusive of the driver) and their effects and not drawing a trailer, a goods carrying vehicle not exceeding 2.3 metres in height, a motorcycle, or a mechanically propelled invalid carriage

Proof of business address within the zone (new applications)

For renewals, please check your reminder.

• the organisation must provide evidence which confirms they are registered as a business at Companies House, VAT-registered or pay business rates for the premises
• applications must come from a senior legally authorised signatory (such as a director or company secretary)
• applications from employees directly will not be accepted

Employee/staff vehicle details and what needs to be provided

Proof of vehicle ownership (new applications)

For renewals, please check your reminder.

Please provide one of the following:

• employee or staff-owned vehicle: a copy of the vehicle registration document (V5C) demonstrating the vehicle is either owned by the company directly or the employee who works for the company
• leased vehicle: a copy of the agreement which must be with a reputable organisation. The name and address must match those of the hirer as shown on the agreement. If you change or renew the lease, please change your details online immediately and provide a copy of the new agreement

Permit valid only for the named vehicle

A permit is valid only for the specific vehicle registration given in the application. Failure to insert a vehicle registration mark correctly may result in a Penalty Charge Notice being issued.

Prevention of fraud

In order to ensure the integrity of the permit scheme, the Council may undertake sample checks to verify the applicant’s details, including requesting copy documents as appropriate.

Your information may be shared with third parties such as APCOA for the purpose of processing a permit and the prevention of fraud. If you would like more information about how we use your data, please read our Privacy Policy which also contains guidance on submitting data protection requests and questions.

How long can I have my permit for?

Length of permit and renewals

• the permit will be valid for 3 or 12 months from the date of issue
• it is your responsibility to renew the permit on its expiry
• if you wish to renew your permit, please apply at least 21 days before the current permit expires

Where can I use my permit?

• the vehicle must be parked in a marked bay within the respective zone, where the signage indicates parking is for business permit holders only, or a shared-use bay when restricted for business permit holders only
• a permit does not enable you to park in designated permit holders’ spaces where the signs indicate the zone is different to that which the permit was issued for, or on yellow line waiting restrictions, or in pay and display bays
• a permit does not grant you the right to park outside your business or guarantee the availability of a parking space
• the Council reserves the right to suspend any parking bay as required
• a business parking permit cannot be used in any Council car park

Changes to any details and refunds

Change of address or vehicle, including temporary or courtesy vehicles

• you must surrender the permit if you change your address or cease to own or use the vehicle for which the permit was issued
• if you change your vehicle, you will need to amend your details online immediately
• if you do not yet have the vehicle registration document (V5C), we can arrange temporary cover for your vehicle if you provide a copy of the bill of sale immediately and the VQ5 within one month
• if you have the use of a temporary or courtesy vehicle, you must change your details online immediately

Refunds

If you wish to cancel your permit, a refund will be made for any full unexpired months.

Important information

Please note:

1. it is a criminal offence if, with intent to deceive, you knowingly make a false statement or mishandle or forge documents to get a business parking permit for yourself or others. The Council may prosecute under the Theft Acts or  other relevant criminal legislation
2. failure to have a valid permit or inform us of a change of vehicle or address may result in a Penalty Charge Notice being issued
3. the Council reserves the right to withhold or withdraw a permit
4. businesses are not permitted to sell or transfer the permit to other parties

Season ticket information

Definition of a season ticket

A season ticket can be prearranged to allow the applicant to park in a nominated car park over a set period of time for a discounted fee.  Details of the season ticket can be verified by a Civil Enforcement Officer through the vehicle registration number.  There are two tiers for season ticket tariffs; the 'local' tier is for applicants who live and work within the London Borough of Bexley. The 'standard' tier applies to all other applicants. The Eastside Quarter resident season ticket is available only to permanent residents of the Eastside Quarter development for use in Albion Road car park, Bexleyheath town centre.

Car parks

Please check permit charges for details of the car parks where seasons are available and the tariffs that apply.

Who can apply and what needs to be provided

Local tier

The local tier season ticket is available to applicants:

a) who permanently reside within the London Borough of Bexley and can provide evidence in the form of a utility bill dated within the last three months (e.g. gas, electric, water, TV licence, home insurance, or most recent Council Tax bill), and
b) who are employed by a business located within the London Borough of Bexley and can provide evidence in the form of a letter on headed paper from their manager, or a wage slip dated within the last three months

Standard tier

The standard tier season ticket is available to any individual who wishes to purchase a season ticket in a car park but does not meet the local tier season ticket criteria.

Bellway Resident Season Ticket

An annual season ticket is available to eligible residents of the Bellway development who reside in Regal Walk, Bexleyheath, to park in Albion Road car park.

Eastside Quarter resident season ticket

An annual season ticket is available to residents who permanently reside in Eastside Quarter, Regal Walk, Bexleyheath. Eligible residents will be required to provide proof of residency.

Season ticket valid only for the named vehicle

A season ticket is valid only for the specific vehicle registration given in the application. Failure to insert a vehicle registration mark correctly may result in a Penalty Charge Notice being issued.

Prevention of fraud

In order to ensure the integrity of the permit scheme, the Council may undertake sample checks to verify the applicant’s details, including requesting copy documents as appropriate.

Your information may be shared with third parties such as APCOA for the purpose of processing a permit and the prevention of fraud. If you would like more information about how we use your data, please read our Privacy Policy which also contains guidance on submitting data protection requests and questions.

How long can I have my permit for?

Length of season ticket and renewal

• the season ticket will be valid for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months from the date of issue
• Eastside Quarter resident season tickets are available for a 12-month period only
• it is your responsibility to renew the season ticket on its expiry
• if you wish to renew your season ticket, please apply at least 21 days before the current season ticket expires

Where can I use my season ticket?

• the vehicle must be parked in a marked bay, excluding motorcycle bays and disabled bays, in the nominated car park only
• a season ticket does not guarantee the availability of a parking space
• the Council reserves the right to suspend any parking bay/location as required

Change of any details

Change of address

You must update your details if you change your home or work address.

Change of vehicle

If you change your vehicle on a temporary or permanent basis, you will need to amend your details online immediately.

Important information

Refunds

Refunds cannot be made for periods when the season ticket is not used. However, a refund may be payable for a season ticket holder who wishes to permanently surrender their unexpired season ticket for the full months that are unexpired. Refunds will be subject to an administration fee of £23.50.

Please note:

1. it is a criminal offence if, with intent to deceive, you knowingly make a false statement or mishandle or forge documents to get a season ticket for yourself or others. The Council may prosecute under the Theft Acts or other relevant criminal legislation
2. failure to have a valid season ticket or inform us of a change of vehicle may result in a Penalty Charge Notice being issued
3. season tickets are not transferable to other places or persons unless so instructed by the Council
4. season ticket holders are not permitted to sell or transfer the season ticket to other parties

Visitor scratch cards information

Definition of a visitor scratch card

A visitors’ scratch card allows a person visiting a resident to park in a permit bay or area during the restricted period of the zone.  The relevant day, date and month must be scratched off the surface and the scratch card must be displayed so that a Civil Enforcement Officer can read the details from outside of the vehicle.

Visitor scratch card zones

All residential permit schemes have an associated visitor scratch card scheme. Please check permit charges for further details and prices.

Who can apply and what needs to be provided

Who qualifies

• residents: only residents who reside at an address within a permit zone and can provide evidence of this are entitled to purchase visitor scratch cards
• the planning conditions for some new build housing schemes do not allow residents to apply for visitor scratch cards. Applications will be cross-checked with the relevant parties, registers, databases, etc
• businesses: visitor scratch cards are not available for businesses

Proof of residence

A copy of one utility bill shown below must be provided (dated within the last 3 months):

• gas
• electric
• water
• TV licence
• home insurance
• most recent Council Tax bill will be accepted

Note: A Driving Licence will not be accepted as proof of residency.

Not yet moved in?

If you have not yet moved to the address in your application, please provide a letter from your solicitor confirming completion date or tenancy agreement.

Displaying the scratch card correctly

Correct display

Each book contains 10 visitor scratch cards.

• please make sure the arrival time, day, date and month of parking are visible by scratching the appropriate area from the surface of the scratch card
• please make sure you display the visitor scratch card face up on the dashboard of the vehicle so that it can be easily read through the front windscreen
• failure to display a visitor scratch card correctly may result in the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice

Prevention of fraud

In order to ensure the integrity of the permit scheme, the Council may undertake sample checks to verify the applicant’s details, including requesting copy documents as appropriate.

Your information may be shared with third parties such as APCOA for the purpose of processing a permit and the prevention of fraud. If you would like more information about how we use your data, please read our Privacy Policy which also contains guidance on submitting data protection requests and questions.

Where I can I use my visitor scratch cards?

• visitor scratch cards are valid for use only in the zone you reside
• visitor scratch cards may only be used in residents’ permit bays (unless otherwise stated)
• a visitor scratch card does not grant the holder the right to park outside their home or guarantee the availability of a parking space
• the Council reserves the right to suspend any parking bay as required

Refunds and important information

Please note:

1. it is a criminal offence if, with intent to deceive, you knowingly make a false statement or mishandle or forge documents to get visitor scratch cards for yourself or others. The Council may prosecute under the Theft Acts or other relevant criminal legislation
2. please tell us immediately if you change your address
3. the Council reserves the right to withhold or withdraw visitor scratch cards
4. please allow 21 days for us to issue your scratch cards
5. a full refund will be given to a resident on surrender of a complete book of visitor scratch cards provided that no details on any of the cards within the book have been scratched off
6. residents are not permitted to sell or transfer the scratch cards to other parties
7. residents must not allow their visitors to park for the purpose of commuting

Permit information

A social care permit is intended only for social care organisation employees who provide essential care or support locally for the welfare of elderly Bexley residents or those who have specific difficulties. The permit allows the holder to park in on-street designated parking bays and paid for parking bays without making payment for the purpose of carrying out official social care duties. Details of the permit can be verified by a Civil Enforcement Officer through the vehicle registration number.  

Applicants are reminded that the concessions associated with the use of the social care permits are only valid when the permit has been fully authorised. This includes any time periods between renewal requests and until such time as the permit has been authorised, applicants should comply with all parking restrictions and regulations.

Who can apply and what needs to be provided

Social care organisations can apply for permits for their employees if they have a valid need for a parking permit to carry out their official social care duties.

• the employee’s vehicle must be a passenger vehicle, goods-carrying vehicle or motorcycle which does not exceed 2.3 metres in height
• a letter on headed paper from the social care organisation must support each application. The letter which must be signed by the employee’s line manager, should provide the employee’s full name/vehicle details and confirm that they have a valid need for a social care permit

Permit valid only for the named vehicle

• only one vehicle may be covered by the social care permit
• the social care permit is valid only for the specific vehicle registration given in the application; failure to insert a vehicle registration correctly may result in the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) 

Prevention of fraud

In order to ensure the integrity of the permit scheme, the Council may undertake sample checks to verify applicants’ details, including requesting copy documents as appropriate.

Your information may be shared with third parties such as APCOA for the purpose of processing a permit and the prevention of fraud. If you would like more information about how we use your data, please read our Privacy Policy which also contains guidance on submitting data protection requests and questions.

How long can I have my permit for?

• the social care permit will be valid for 12 months from the start date
• the social care organisation will receive reminders to renew their employee’s permits before expiry. The organisation is responsible for renewing existing permits and will have to submit the required documentary evidence against each renewal application
• renewal applications should be submitted on receipt of the permit reminders and at least 21 days before any current permit expires

Where can I use my permit?

In order to carry out official social care duties, a social care permit holder may park on-street in:

• designated parking bays (resident, business and shared use bays), and
• paid for parking bays (pay and display and pay by phone bays) without making payment

Where am I not permitted to use my permit?

A social care permit holder may not use the scheme to park:

• on any part of the footway
• on yellow lines when restricted
• on restricted bus stops/bus lanes
• in disabled parking bays
• in any area or bay covered by a loading restriction
• on ‘School Keep Clear’ markings
• on pedestrian crossings
• on clearways - at any time
• where the vehicle is likely to cause an obstruction
• in designated bays for motorcycles, taxis, etc
• more than 50cm from the kerbside (double parking)
• in front of dropped footways, or
• in off-street car parks

Failure to adhere to these conditions may result in the issue of a PCN.

Changes to any details and refunds

Change of vehicle, including temporary or courtesy vehicles

• an amendment must be made online immediately for any change of vehicle, including use of a temporary or courtesy vehicle
• the permit must be surrendered if the employee no longer works for the social care organisation

Refunds

If the permit is cancelled, a refund will be made for any full unexpired months from the date the Bexley Contact Centre is notified.

Important information

Please note:

1. it is a criminal offence if, with intent to deceive, you knowingly make a false statement or mishandle or forge documents to get a social care permit for yourself or others. The Council may prosecute under the Theft Acts or other relevant criminal legislation
2. social care permit holders are reminded that if a Civil Enforcement Officer considers that the terms and conditions associated with the scheme are not being adhered to, a PCN may be issued. Should the holder consider that they have sufficient reason to contest the issue of the PCN, they must follow the directions shown on the notice itself - verbal challenges cannot be accepted
3. the Council reserves the right to withhold or withdraw a social care permit
4. social care permit holders are not permitted to sell the permit on to other parties
5. Parking Services reserves the right to withdraw a social care permit in the event of incorrect or inappropriate use