What is 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 below 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.

Apply for a refund on your permit

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