What is a CPZ?

A Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) is an area where parking is managed to reduce congestion and make it easier for residents and visitors to park. CPZs help prevent dangerous or inconsiderate parking and free up space for pedestrians, cyclists, and other public uses.

Where are CPZs used?

CPZs are commonly introduced in areas with high parking demand, such as near train stations, shopping areas, and busy residential areas.

How do CPZs help?

• easier parking for residents: CPZs give priority parking to local residents and businesses by providing for parking bays for those with the relevant parking permits (which are only available to those within the zone)
• less traffic and pollution: fewer commuters driving round looking for parking spaces, and parking all day means less congestion and better air quality
• safer streets: CPZs deter dangerous parking at junctions, improving visibility and access for emergency and utility vehicles

How do CPZs work?

• parking restrictions are enforced during specific hours (‘Controlled Hours’), which will be shown on entry signs
• many spaces are permit-only, meaning you need a valid permit to park during the restricted hours
• yellow lines indicate where parking is not allowed. Single yellow lines have time restrictions (times and/or days), while double yellow lines mean no parking at any time
• permit-only parking areas and restricted parking zones are additional types of parking controls, and may be used within a CPZ.  These may not have yellow lines but will have signs explaining the rules

CPZ hours of operation/control

CPZ Controlled Hours are set to target specific issues:

• two-hour restrictions (e.g. 10am to 12pm) stop commuters from parking all day, but these drivers can park at other times which may allow them to still access the shops or station for long periods, and reduce residents parking
• 10am to 4pm restrictions prevent commuters from leaving their cars for extended periods on street, freeing up bays for permits holders for longer.
• all-day restrictions (e.g. 8am to 5.30pm) apply in busy areas like town centres
• weekend restrictions may apply if residents struggle to park at weekends

Please note that:

• residents without permits will also need to avoid parking on-street during the Controlled Hours for the zone
• parking outside the Controlled Hours for the zone (other than at double yellow lines) is available to everyone without charge
• they do not guarantee parking spaces for residents in their street or the zone, as this will depend on how many vehicles residents own, where they live, and how many permits they purchase for their vehicles
• permits are only valid for the stated zone (see signs and zone reference code), but drivers can park in permit bays anywhere within that zone. Always check local signs for parking rules in your area

Permit-only parking areas

Some CPZs have sections where only permit holders can park during busy hours. These areas may not have marked bays but will have signs explaining the restrictions.

These can help avoid street clutter and allow residents to work out their own parking locations, where formal bays can reduce on-street parking spaces due to legal size requirements.

Waiting and loading restrictions:

• single yellow lines – parking is restricted during stated hours (see nearby sign).
• double yellow lines – no parking at any time (no nearby sign as 24/7 restriction).
• kerb markings (Blips) – indicate loading restrictions:
  - single blip: no loading during certain times (see nearby sign)
  - double blip: no loading at any time (no nearby sign as 24/7 restriction)
• active loading – allowed for up to 40 minutes unless restrictions are in place.

Blue badge holders

Blue Badge holders must display their permit and can park in:

• permit parking bays
• shared-use parking bays
• resident parking bays
• pay & display parking bays
• council-run car parks
• on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours unless there are loading restrictions (yellow kerb markings/blips)

Permanent Traffic Management/Regulation Orders (TMOs/TROs)

Most parking controls are introduced under a permanent order, which means that the restrictions have already been determined through formal consultation and council decision. They are introduced as approved and a further traffic order processed must be followed to make changes to the restrictions.

Experimental Traffic Management Orders (ETMOs)

An alternative is available from the permanent traffic order process, where the full impact of planned changes may not be generally known beforehand.  In these circumstances, a live trial by means of an ETMO can be used, where:

• parking or traffic changes can be introduced temporarily for up to 18 months
• residents can submit comments and objections within six months of implementation
• the council will review the impact and decide whether to make changes and then whether to make the controls permanent or not/return everything to how it was

Parking permits and costs

To park on-street within a CPZ during Controlled Hours, you will need to find a Free bay (which may or may not be provided with the CPZ) or a hold a valid permit:

• business permits: limited to registered businesses within the zone
• resident permits: limited to owners of vehicles registered at a property within the zone.  A permit is needed for each vehicle you wish to park on-street in the zone during the controlled hours (you do not need a permit if you are not parking on-street at all or will not be parking on-street during the controlled hours). Some housing developments are only approved as ‘car free’ which means these residents will not be allowed to purchase permits
• visitors’ vouchers (scratch cards): purchased in booklets of ten for visitors to display in their vehicles when parking in an on-street bay during the controlled hours.

Find out more information on parking permit charges

Controlled Parking Zones in Bexley 

This table shows all controlled parking zones in the London Borough of Bexley. Roads are formatted A to Z:

If you would like to check if you live in a controlled parking zone, please contact FootsCrayDirect@bexley.gov.uk