What is a social permit?

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.

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 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