Using your business parking permit (guide)

Guidance to help you once you receive your business parking permit.

Permit start date

Permits start from the date of issue unless a renewal of a current permit, in which case the new permit will run from the day following the expiry of the current permit.

Parking time period

Not all zones operate during the same times. We advise you to check the operation times of the zone/s you wish to park in.

Check zone operation times

How to display

When you receive your new permit you will need to ensure it is displayed correctly. Failure to do so could result in the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

Each new permit will be issued with a protective cover. This should be affixed to the inside of your windscreen on the passenger side. The permit must always be displayed so that the details are visible.

Before using your new permit ensure you have checked where you can park.

Where to park

A permit will not reserve the holder a right to park in a specific parking bay.

A permit will enable the holder to park in any vacant on-street business parking permit holder’s space, or if applicable, shared use space within the zone of issue between the hours displayed on signs at the entry points to the zone, and in some cases, on signs adjacent to the parking bays, subject to any parking suspension that may occur. Parking places are not controlled outside of the zones restricted hours.

Permits are only valid in the zone of issue as shown on the permit by a letter(s) in the bottom right hand corner and on-street by the same letter(s) on sign plates.

Business parking permits are not valid in off-street car parks, pay and display bays, or in other zones except where otherwise stated by signs at the locations.

Check where to park

Your allowance

Permits are limited to a maximum of five per business (except when renewing permits immediately before expiry of an existing permit) and are valid for either 3, 6 or 12 months.

Suspensions

We regularly suspend bays from normal use for various reasons (for example, house moves). Any unauthorised vehicles found parked in a suspended bay may be liable for a PCN. If a vehicle is to remain in the same bay for a number of days then you should check daily for any suspension notices.

Traders/builders

If you need a permit for traders who are carrying out work on your business property, visit trader parking permits. This will not affect your business permit allowance.

Change of circumstances

You will need to let us know about a change in circumstances if you:

• move business address ; or
• change your vehicle or vehicle registration.

Lost, stolen or damaged permits

If a permit is lost, stolen or damaged, you must let us know immediately by completing a permit change or return form(pdf, 33KB). The permit will no longer be valid and anyone attempting to use the permit will be liable for a PCN. If requested, a new permit will be issued for the unused period of the original permit.

A charge of £10 will be made for the issue of a replacement permit, except when the permit was stolen and a police crime reference number is provided.

Renewals

If your permit is linked to a Richmond Account, you will be sent a reminder email, at least one month before your permit expires.

If you do not have your permit linked to a Richmond Account (or your permit is not linked to your Richmond Account), you will be sent a reminder by post, at least one month before your permit expires.

You must renew your permit within 14 days of your old permit's expiry date. After this 14 day period you will be required to complete a new application. Failure to do so could result in a PCN.

Refunds

Refunds are available for permits, which have at least one full month remaining before the expiry date.

To apply for a refund you must download and complete a permit change or return form, and return this to us along with your permit/s.

Refunds will be issued either by:

• BACS payment, direct to your bank account (you must include your bank details on the 'change or return form'); or
• Cheque which you will receive within 28 days.

Refund amount

Refunds are calculated as the amount originally paid, divided by the duration in months of the permit, and multiplied by the number of full months remaining on the permit. A £10 administration fee is then deducted. This calculation is made even if the permit has not yet started. Visit business parking permit prices for a full list of refund amounts.