Operational, carer, clergy and teachers parking permits

Image of an Operational Parking Permit

Before you apply

Operational permits are for people who need to park within a Controlled Parking Zone who do not qualify for standard resident, business, trader or visitor permits as they have no permanent address within the zone.

Permits are extremely limited and must be approved by the Council which will assess your requirements and decide whether a permit can be issued.

Strict policies are in effect with operational permits. Any which are issued for all zones should only be used for visiting within the borough, not for parking at your base of operations. Permits will be revoked if they are found to be misused.

Permit costs

From 2 April 2007 the cost of permits are based on

  • The type of operational permit being purchased
  • The hours of operation of the Controlled Parking Zone
  • The carbon dioxide emissions or cylinder capacity of the vehicle(s)
  • Whether the permit is the first or subsequent for your organisation.

The current prices for permits are on the relevant additional guidance notes for each zone, available below.

Operational permits are issued for one year, and four types are available:

Clergy

These are for clergy or church workers of any denomination who need to park within a zone whilst on church business and who do not have access to parking on church grounds or other private parking.

Clergy permits are free of charge.

Carers

These are for people who care for a relative or other person who is a resident of a zone, or is being taught within the zone and requires care during school/college hours, and need to park within the zone whilst caring for them.

Teachers

These are for teachers and classroom assistants who work for a school or college with an Approved Travel Plan, or for peripatetic (mobile) music teachers.

Teacher's operational permits will not be valid on weekends if the controlled parking zone is in operation.

Non carers

These are for people who do not fit into the above categories and still need to park within a zone to perform their day-to-day duties, examples would be nannies, cleaners, private workers etc.

How to apply

Follow the steps below to ensure that you have all of the necessary knowledge and paperwork when you come to make your application.

If you have any queries then staff at The Parking Shop will be happy to help (contact information is available on the Parking contacts page).

Step 1 - Find your Controlled Parking Zone

For all permits other than 'All Zone' permits you will need to know the zone where you will need to park.

If you do not already know it, look at parking signage nearest to your parking location. This will state the zone letter(s). In addition, at the edge of the zone will be zone entry and exit signs detailing the zone letter(s) and hours of operation.

Further information on Controlled Parking Zones - including a map of all the zones within the borough - can be found on the Controlled Parking Zones pages.

Step 2 - Decide how many permits you need

You can purchase more than one permit for your organisation and can opt for them to display either a vehicle registration, or your organisation name if you want them to be transferable.

Step 3 - Find the vehicle bands

From 2nd April 2007 the price of permits is based on the cylinder capacity of vehicles if they were first registered before 1st March 2001; or the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions if registered on or after 1st March 2001.

More information on how to find the correct band for your vehicle can be found on the Vehicle banding for parking permits explained page.

When applying for transferable permits you will need to state the highest banded vehicle for which the permit will be used as any vehicle displaying a permit for a lower band will be liable for a Penalty Charge Notice.

Step 4 - Decide whether the permit is the first or subsequent

Subsequent permits for an organisation are charged at 50% more than an equivalent banded first permit.

If you are applying for more than one permit for your organisation, you should make sure that the highest banded vehicle has the first permit to minimise the cost.

When applying for multiple transferable permits, all of the permits will be for the band you state.

Step 5 - Download the application form and additional guidance notes

The application form contains the information you will need to purchase and use your permits and you should download and read it thoroughly before completing.

You should also download the 'Additional guidance notes and prices' for the zone as these contain a price list which you can keep for future reference.

The Operational parking permit application form

Guidance notes and prices for zones

Step 6 - Collect the proofs of eligibility

The Operational permit application form details the proofs you will need to provide and you should make sure you have the originals of these to present with your application.  If you cannot provide the necessary proofs then we will not be able to issue you with permits.

If you are unsure what proofs to provide, contact The Parking Shop (details on the Parking contacts page) and staff will be happy to advise you.

Step 7 - Send or take the application to The Parking Shop

You may send your application by post or take it yourself to The Parking Shop. Address details are available on the Parking contacts page.

You should have the following:

  • A completed application form
  • Proofs
  • Payment (where necessary)

Please allow 14 days to process your application. You must ensure that you park legally until you receive your permit.