Parking suspensions
- What is a suspension?
- How much will it cost?
- Payment and receipts
- How do I apply?
- What happens next?
- Rejected applications
- Cancellations
What is a suspension?
A suspension is where a parking bay within a community parking zone is temporarily removed from service and is 'reserved' for a specific purpose.
You need to know that
- Bays can be suspended and the suspension enforced at any time, even outside controlled hours
- A bay is approximately 5 metres long
- The maximum duration of a suspension is 14 days (including weekends), and the maximum number of bays is 5*
- Only full bays for full days can be suspended
- Loading and business bays, and Council run off-street car park bays may be suspended if suitable*
- Disabled, doctors, ambulance and Car Club bays cannot be suspended.
* Applications will be assessed individually.
If you need to park but not in a specific bay, or on a yellow line or on the footway (where allowed) then please see the Parking dispensations page.
How much will it cost?
All suspensions, including those for utility companies (i.e. water, electricity and gas), are charged at the standard administration fee plus bay per day charges. Suspensions for weddings and funerals qualify for a free period as detailed below.
| Item | Zones | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Administration Fee | All suspensions | £92 |
| Additional charge per bay per day | Category 1 - A1, A2, H, M1, Z2, Z5 | £30 |
| Category 2 - B, C, CB, D, ES, F, G, HM, KC, N, M3, M4, M5, M7, M8, M9, S, S1, X, Z1, Z3 | £19 | |
| Category 3 - B1, E, J, KA, KB, M, T, Z4 | £8 |
Weddings and funerals
You can apply for a maximum of 3 bays for 1 day free of charge for a wedding or funeral. For more bays or longer periods then the charges above apply. Charges will only be made for the excess time and bays, not for the initial free time and bays.
Payment and receipts
Payment will only be taken after the Council has confirmed your suspension and the cost. We only accept credit or debit cards (excluding American Express and Diners' Card). Credit card payments are subject to a handling fee. There is no handling fee for debit card payments.
You will be given a payment reference when your payment clears which you should make a note of in case of future queries. If you need a receipt then ask when you make payment. Your receipt will be emailed to the address on your application form. Payment must be received before a suspension can be installed.
How do I apply?
You must give at least 7 working days notice of a suspension.
To apply by email
Use the Application for a Parking Exemption form for email
(pdf, 490KB). Fill in the details and click 'Agree and Email Form'. You will need to follow the instructions in Adobe Reader.
If you have trouble with this form then you can print the Application for a Parking Exemption form for print(pdf, 74KB), fill it in, sign it, scan it and email to parkingsuspensions@richmond.gov.uk.
To apply by post
Print the Application for a Parking Exemption form for print(pdf, 74KB). Fill it in, sign it and post to Parking Permits, PO Box 466, Twickenham TW1 9JT.
What happens next?
Notification will be sent if and when the suspension has been authorised by email, fax or post. You must check the confirmation details as any changes must be requested at least 5 working days before the suspension.
If the suspension goes ahead, a Community Enforcement Officer will install at least one suspension sign as close as possible to the bay(s) to be suspended three full days before the start of the suspension. The suspension sign will normally be attached to a signpost, lamp column or tree. Where there is nowhere to attach the sign then alternative signage will be provided and you will be notified of the change.
The vehicles that are allowed to park in your suspended bay will be given a dispensation to do so using the Council's mobile phone parking system, RingGo.
The Council does not remove vehicles parked in suspended bays. To inform the Council of vehicles parked in suspended bays, call the Enforcement line on 020 8744 0462. A Civil Enforcement Officer will be sent to the area to issue Penalty Charge Notices to any vehicles found parked in contravention.
Refunds
The Council will not issue refunds on any suspensions which have been correctly signposted, and where the suspended bays were blocked by other motorists, skips, materials etc.
Rejected applications
The Council reserves the right to reject an application if the proposed suspension does not conform to health and safety requirements, or will cause undue inconvenience to other road users or local residents. The Council's enforcement contractor will check that space(s) applied for are free on the day(s) required, will ensure that enough notice has been given, and will check that the location is appropriate.
Cancellations
If you want to cancel then your request must be received by the Council at least 4 working days before the suspension, otherwise we will not be able to refund any payment made.