Parking dispensations and suspensions
Parking dispensation - to park on single or double yellow lines
You can apply for a parking dispensation which allows vehicles to park on single or double yellow lines in circumstances where the vehicle needs to be close to a specific location.
For example:
- carrying out works that require continuous access to a building for loading or unloading goods or materials.
This will need to be specified during the application process.
Apply for a parking dispensation
Applications should be submitted at least one working day before the required start date. Details of costs will be provided on the application, but are based on £20 per vehicle per day, £50 per vehicle per week and £100 per vehicle for two weeks.
Parking dispensation - information and terms and conditions
Dispensation information
Definition of a parking dispensation
A parking dispensation can be prearranged to provide the applicant with an exemption to park on single or double yellow lines during the restricted period. Details of the dispensation can be verified by a Civil Enforcement Officer through the vehicle registration number.
Who can apply and notice required
Anyone can apply for a parking dispensation by registering through the Bexley permit portal.
- applicants should submit their application at least 1 working day before the required start date
- the Council has a duty to assess the application prior to approval, which may involve visiting the location to identify the likely impact on residents and businesses. (Working days do not include Saturdays, Sundays, or Bank Holidays)
- where an application is received less than 1 working day before the start date, the dispensation may not be approved by the start date
- a dispensation will only be valid when it has been authorised and confirmed by the Council. If a confirmation email has not been received, the applicant should not assume their dispensation has been approved
Prevention of fraud
The Council reserves the right to inspect the vehicle. Inspections will be carried out by authorised officers/agents of the Council, at all reasonable times, for the purpose of verifying the works and/or validity of the dispensation.
The Council reserves the right to terminate the dispensation at any time, possibly with immediate effect, if the purpose of the dispensation as set out in the application is not adhered to.
A dispensation is approved on the basis that failure to comply with any of the terms and conditions may result in the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice under the terms of the Traffic Management Act 2004.
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 can I park?
Only the vehicle(s) stated in the application may park on single or double yellow lines at the location applied for and in connection with the purpose given in the application.
A dispensation does not allow the applicant to park on other restrictions, including:
- permit bays*
- disabled bays
- bays reserved for doctors, ambulances, taxis, etc
- pay and display/mobile phone bays
- across dropped kerbs
- in an area that is subject to a loading ban
- bus stops
- footways/grass verges
- school entrance zig zags during restricted hours
- pedestrian crossing zig zags
*If the requirement involves parking in a permit bay, the resident can apply for more than the maximum annual allowance of visitors’ vouchers.
How long can I have a dispensation for?
- an application can be made for a maximum of 2 weeks initially with the possibility to extend, if the dispensation is required for a longer period
- the applicant is responsible for renewing an expired dispensation and should allow at least 1 working day for processing the renewal application. We reserve the right to refuse an extension
Important information
Please note:
- even if a dispensation has been approved, the vehicle must be relocated if requested by a Civil Enforcement Officer, Metropolitan Police Officer, or an Officer of the Council. This will only happen in circumstances where emergency access is required or traffic flow is impeded
- vehicle(s) must be parked in a manner that creates no hazard to pedestrians or other road users, does not obstruct sightlines at junctions and does not obstruct access or the free flow of traffic
- dispensations are not transferable and refunds will not be given for periods of unused time
If you need to park to carry out a domestic removal, you will need to request to park on a restriction.
Request to park on a restriction
Parking suspension - to park in a controlled/restricted parking bay temporarily
You can apply for a parking bay suspension which means that the restriction in use for the bay would be temporarily suspended allowing you to park with the authorisation of the Council without the need to pay to park or hold a permit to park.
Apply for a parking bay suspension
Temporary information signs will be placed to confirm the period of suspension and you will need to confirm the reason for the suspension request during the application process.
For example:
- the suspension may be needed for building works to be carried out or for road works or for a tradesman to park to carry out work on your property.
Parking bay suspensions can also be used for skips, however, you must have obtained a skip permit before submitting a suspension request otherwise your application will be refused.
Applications should be submitted at least three working days before the required start date. Details of costs will be provided on the application, but are based on £30 per bay per day with a renewal option of £30, or £80 per bay per week with a renewal option of £80. An application can be for up to five bays for a maximum of 14 days.
All dispensation/suspension applications will be reviewed and you may be contacted separately to discuss your application or to revise or amend it.
Parking suspension - information and terms and conditions
Suspension information
Definition of a parking suspension
A parking suspension can be prearranged to allow the applicant to park in specified bay(s). Details of the suspension can be verified by a Civil Enforcement Officer through the vehicle registration number.
Who can apply and notice required
Anyone can apply for a parking suspension by registering through the Bexley permit portal.
- applicants should submit their application at least 3 working days before the required start date. The Council has a duty to assess the application prior to approval, which may involve visiting the location to identify the likely impact on residents and businesses. (Working days do not include Saturdays, Sundays, or Bank Holidays)
- where an application is received less than 3 working days before the start date, the suspension may not be approved by the start date
- a suspension will only be valid when it has been authorised and confirmed by the Council. If a confirmation email has not been received, the applicant should not assume their suspension has been approved
- if the suspension is for one or more vehicles, each vehicle registration mark must be recorded on the application form. In circumstances where the vehicle registration numbers are not known, the name of the livery company must be recorded instead
Prevention of fraud
The Council reserves the right to terminate the suspension at any time, possibly with immediate effect, but a refund of unused time may be given.
A Penalty Charge Notice may be issued and/or the suspension rescinded on failure to comply with any of the terms, or if the purpose of the suspension as set out in the application is not adhered to.
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 a suspension for?
- a suspension will be approved for a maximum of 4 weeks only. If required for a longer period, the applicant will need to reapply
- the applicant is responsible for renewing an expired suspension and should allow at least 3 working days for processing the renewal application
- if a suspension is no longer required, it can be cancelled through the applicant’s account, however, refunds cannot be given for periods of unused time
Important information
Please note:
- even if a suspension has been approved, the vehicle must be relocated if requested by a Civil Enforcement Officer, Metropolitan Police Officer, or a Council Officer. This will only happen in circumstances where emergency access is required or traffic flow is impeded
- the Council is not responsible for any unauthorised vehicles parked in a suspended bay, but a Penalty Charge Notice may be issued in these circumstances
- a suspension cannot be transferred from one location to another
- suspensions are not granted for preferential parking outside the applicant’s own residence
What you can expect to pay for your dispensation or suspension
We'll let you know the exact cost when you apply, but we have based it on these guidelines.
| Parking on yellow lines (one vehicle) | Parking in a suspended bay (one bay) |
|---|---|
| £20 a day | £30 a day (renew for £30) |
| £50 a week | £80 a week (renew for £80) |
| £100 a fortnight |
You can apply for up to five bays at a time, for up to two weeks.
Sometimes we can arrange permission to park for health services or funerals. You'll need to provide exact details of your requirement on a parking enquiry form.
Arrangements can also be made in some cases for funerals, blood transfusion service, health screening or for any other purpose. Complete the parking enquiry form at least three working days in advance.
The London Borough of Bexley cannot authorise dispensations or suspensions for red routes, you will need to apply to Transport for London.