Permit Parking

The issue of permit parking across the area is one that never goes away completely and there has been a opinion checking leaflet delivered to the core area. If you would like some background on the subject, then read on:

There have been two consultations in our area run by the city council in last 12 years or so. In order for permit parking to be implemented, the council says there has to be a high return of survey forms and a majority of residents in favour. Therefore there is no permit parking here at the minute.

The Parkfields Cedars area (round Sherwin Street) held a consulation before the pandemic. This was managed by the residents and had a very high return rate and high number wanting permits so the area is now a single parking zone. The Watson Street area did not have a high enough return level so is not a parking zone.

The students are likely to return in September and they will no longer be able to park around Longford Street without risking a Fixed Penalty Notice. It is possible therefore that they will park in Six Streets area. The university ran lectures up to 9pm before the pandemic and may well do so again. As well as university related parking, permits would affect parking for the shops, visitors to houses outside the zone and employees of local businesses.

It is believed that St Mary’s School parents have a free 20 minute window when parking in permit slots on Broadway but this may not be the case and may only apply to meter parking. So situation on school run parking here is something that would have to be made clear by the council.

Residents’ Parking Permits do not guarantee any individual resident a parking space.

At present, a permit costs £25 a year with further vehicles from same household costing £50 each. Permits are only valid for the area they are issued for. Motorbikes are exempt from the charge and vehicles over 7.5 tonnes (HGVs) can not have a permit. Digital permits are bought online and mean residents do not display anything in windscreens. You can contact the council about a paper one if you are not online.

A permit may only cover one street or can cover a whole zone.

You can also purchase visitor permits if you live in a resident-only permit zone. Your visitor will need to have the permit clearly on display or you can buy a digital vistor permit online. The permit is only valid for one day (paper ones are scratchcard and have to be correctly scratched) and cannot be used in any other parking area than the one printed on the card.

Carer permits cost £25 a year and means the resident gives the carer the permit to display when they visit. The carer could have a valid digital permit instead.

Businesses can buy annual permits for vehicles that are required for operational business use. Business visitor permits are only valid whilst the visitor is visiting the business. Business visitor permits are for customers and visitors only and not for commuters or employees.

If you are a contractor, utility company or a business or resident having work carried out on your property, you will need to purchase a contractor permit.