CPZ Review - Ealing Council

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Item Number: 8

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CPZ Review - Administration, Customer Service and Operation/
Subject of Report: Best Practice and Different Approaches
Controlled Parking Zones Specialist Scrutiny Committee
Meeting:
10th November 2010
Kevin Hagan, Assistant Director, Parking Services
Service report author:

Kevin Unwin, Scrutiny Review Officer
Scrutiny officer: unwink@ealing.gov.uk
Tel: 020-8825-6568
Councillor Mahfouz, Transport and Environment
Cabinet Responsibility:

Keith Townsend, Executive Director, Environment and
Director Responsibility:
Customer Services

Administration Customer Service and Operation
· Are the current vouchers, permits, dispensations etc
effective and cost-effective to administer?
. What could be done to improve online services?
. To take an in-depth look at the borough's vouchers,
Brief: permits and dispensations, reviewing their basis, criteria
and effectiveness.

Best Practice and Different Approaches
. To examine some best practice examples from other boroughs and diff
. What are the alternatives to CPZs?

To consider the report in order to answer the questions and
address the points set out above, and to make any
Recommendations:
recommendations for inclusion in the Panel's final report to
Cabinet as appropriate.
1.0 CPZ Administration
Approximately one third of the borough geographical footprint is covered by
CPZs.

1.1 Originally introduced to manage kerbside pressure and demand, the CPZ
network that started out as a relatively straightforward mechanism for
controlling non-resident parking in specific areas, has now become
increasingly complicated and burdensome to administer due to the
proliferation of special cases, which are both formal and informal
arrangements.

1.2 Ealing‟s strategy to CPZ‟s has been predominately based around a “Resident
Only” approach, whereby the bulk of parking bays are available to resident
permit holders only. This is not an uncommon approach across the London
area, although not the only approach. Alternative approaches are explored in
sections 8&9.

1.2 The council now has a complex system of permits, scratch cards and informal
rules that allow parking in the CPZ network. A summary is attached below as
table 1:

Table 1

Permits by Volume
No Type Total Period
1 Honorary Freeman 2 LIVE
2 Vets Permits 4 LIVE
3 Doctors Permits 20 LIVE
4 Charity Business Permits 33 LIVE
5 Allotment Permits 43 LIVE
6 Car Club Permits 51 LIVE
7 Business Visitor scratch cards 343 LAST 12 MONTHS (BOOKS)
8 Business Permits 748 LIVE
9 Religious Permits 1012 LIVE
10 Service scratch cards 10621 LAST 12 MONTHS (BOOKS)
11 Resident Permits 25407 LIVE
12 Resident Visitor scratch cards 118298 LAST 12 MONTHS (BOOKS)
156582

1.3 The advantage of such a complex network of permits and rules is that almost
every parking eventuality is catered for. The disadvantage is that the
comprehensive nature of the system in itself, defeats to some degree, the
original intention of the CPZ, which was intended to restrict parking in the first
instance, in addition to being burdensome to administer and maintain.

1.4 In contrast a neighbouring borough (Hounslow) that has a very similar CPZ
make up (one third land-space / predominately Resident Only Bays), operates
a much simpler system outlined at table 2:
Table 2

No Category
1 Resident Permit
2 Business Permit
3 Resident Visitor Short Term
4 Resident Visitor Long Term
5 Carer/Medical
6 Operational

An overview of permits 1 to 5 (table 2) and their application criteria is attached
as Appendix 1. The application procedure and overview for Ealing Council
parking permits and application criteria/information is outlined within Appendix
2.

2.0 Discrepancies, Anomalies and Grey Areas

2.1 Resident Permits - Foreign Vehicles
There has been a historic practice to grant permits to foreign vehicles. In
these instances additional proof is requested to establish residence (three
proofs of address rather than two), however, there is a legitimate question in
respect to whether the user of a foreign vehicle not registered at the time of
application should be considered as a resident of the borough.

The attached is taken from the answer to a written answer at council in March
2009, but never operationally implemented.

Foreign registered vehicles that are temporarily brought into the United
Kingdom by overseas residents are usually exempt from UK registration
and licensing. The exemptions state that a vehicle, which is properly
registered and taxed in its home country, may be used by the visitor
for up to six months in twelve without being subject to domestic
registration and licensing requirements. To qualify for the exemption,
visitors must have their normal residence outside the UK and this
exemption is enforced by the DVLA.

Although not strictly within the remit of CPZ management, there is also
substantial quantitative evidence to show that foreign registered vehicles
evade payment of charges and fines due to the difficulty incurred with tracking
down the registered keepers details and also enforcing notices issued to
foreign vehicles.
2.2 Resident Permits - UK Vehicles not registered at CPZ address, but to
the applicant.

This normally refers to vehicles where the owner claims that the vehicle is
registered at a second home not within the borough. While this may be the
case; in many instances this type of application is open to misuse as if one
was minded, it is a relatively straightforward matter to produce proofs of
address of address within a CPZ such as a bank statement or utility bill, when
the applicant is not in fact a resident in the first instance.

2.3 Resident Permits - Vehicles not registered to the applicant or CPZ
address.

Normally where the applicant claims access to the vehicle, such as a friend‟s
or parents car. The applicant has to supply current proof of residency, a copy
of the insurance document showing the applicant is insured under the vehicle
and a covering letter from the applicant explaining why they are using a
vehicle not registered to their name or address.

Again there are differing views on how vulnerable this type of application is to
potential misuse.

2.4 “Various” Resident Permits

Normally issued where the applicant can prove residence but claims (normally
for work reason) that they do not have a fixed vehicle but continually /
regularly change vehicles at short notice.

This type of permit is in effect a permit for any car to park in the CPZ in
question.

2.5 There is no doubt that there will be genuine cases that fall into the above
categories 2.1 – 2.4, but they do by their very nature represent various risks in
respect to misuse and potentially improper applications.

2.6 Some authorities take the view that they are willing to accept the risks, while
other enforce a strict “The vehicle must be registered at the applicants
address and in the applicant‟s name” which in effect eliminates all of the
above, but may well cause difficulty to a small number of individuals. Ealing
has no clear guidelines or policy, which leaves officers debating the merits of
particular applications with the applicants and occasionally members thus
potentially impinging upon the application integrity.
2.7 “Various” Business Permits

The issues and concerns with this category of permit are similar to that of the
Various Resident Permit. There is evidence to suggest that many business
use this type of permit to effectively carry out their business activities on the
carriageway, for instance, a garage using it to store customers cars in the
parking bays rather than within their own premises. Recent price rises may
however, have a limiting effect on this category when compared to the annual
cost of parking within the borough based on daily parking charges.

There is also evidence to suggest that many businesses purchase these
permits to facilitate general staff parking rather that the parking of vehicles
that are critical to the operation of the business, which one would have
assumed is the primary purpose of a business permit. Again, recent price
increments may have a limited effect on this category, even at the new rate of
£600, this still provides all day parking for £2.40 per day (based on a working
week of 50 weeks / 5 days).

2.8 Religious Permits

Religious permits are issued in batches of up to 25 per institution. There are
very weak terms & conditions attached to their issue and use which in effect
requires only a vague connection between the user and the institution rather
than some specific “at worship” requirement. There are many instances of
these permits being used regularly, all day by the same vehicles, with no
limitation on the duration or frequency of use. There are also instances of
multiple institutions being registered at the same address. As there are no
solid grounds for issue and use; it is equally difficult to define and take action
against any perceived misuse without the provision of guidelines on which to
base enforcement.

The overall volume of permits in this category is significant as this category
outnumbers Business Permits by 35% and its volume is greater, that the total
volume of Business, Car Club, Allotment, Charity Business, Doctors, Vets and
Honorary Freeman Permits combined (i.e. all permits types combined
excluding resident)

Traffic Order reference for application / use of a Religious Permit
2.9 Allotment Permits

Are issued to any individual who has an allotment within the CPZ, typically
Zones C & D. The application process is relatively straightforward, however,
the relatively small scale of the permit group makes it inefficient to maintain
and administer. There is additionally no legal basis for the issue of these
permits, as they are not covered within the CPZ traffic orders.

There is a legitimate question over the future of this permit category and the
possibility of the holder using an alternative parking permit option such as
service vouchers to consolidate and rationalise.

2.10 Veterinary / Doctors Permits

Veterinary/ Doctors permits are only issued where a specific vets / doctors bay
exists on the carriageway. The permit is granted at the same tariff as a
Business Permit.

There has been historic confusion, which as caused difficulty for both officers
and customers in respect to;

 Do you pay for the bay or permit i.e. is each individual permit charged for
or can a customer have as many permits as they wish (for a single
payment) on the basis that only one vehicle can fit in the bay at any one
time?

 Is a Veterinary / Doctor Permit holder entitled to a free / complimentary
Business Permit?

2.11 Charity Business Permits

Are historically issued for free to any business within a CPZ that can provide
an accompanying letter (on headed paper) that confirms the charity‟s
registration number. This letter must explain how the vehicle is used on a day-
to-day basis in connection with the employee‟s role.

A maximum of one free permit will be issued to each charity, any additional
charity business permits applied for must be paid for in full. This is £250 per
annum.

However, there is no legal basis (or budget) for the issue of these permits, as
they are not covered within the CPZ traffic orders.
3.0 Other Informal Rules
3.1 Funerals & Special Events

There are no clear guidelines on funerals and how the council should deal
with them. Officers regularly receive requests to “relax” parking in whole
streets and often multiple streets to accommodate for the funeral guests. This
is for both the funeral event itself and additional events either before or after
the funeral service.

Again with special events there has been a historic informal practice of
“relaxing” enforcement that has no clear guidelines attached.
Clarity is needed in both these areas to effectively manage expectations and
prevent occurrences of officers being placed under substantial personal
pressure to allow / turn a blind eye to illegal parking in wide areas of CPZs.

4.0 Recent Changes – Carers Permits

4.1 Following the recent council decision to increase parking charges, there has
been some initial debate with respect to the provision of a new permit
category for residents that receive home care (either by professionals or
relatives). A neighbouring borough (Hounslow) offers such a permit at a
nominal charge of £32.50.

4.2 It would be possible to introduce a similar permit in Ealing although it would be
prudent to consider if such a provision could not be accommodated through
existing permit categories in the first instance, such as Residents Visitor
Vouchers. Again it would be prudent to also consider the differing permit
landscape in Hounslow as opposed to Ealing, in respect to the number of
exceptions to the CPZ principal through permits, before establishing another
exception through a new permit type.

5.0 Customer Contact – Face To Face

5.1 Between 1st April 2010 and 24th October 2010, 17,950 customers were seen
at the Customer Centre in respect of parking permits and vouchers.

5.2 Of these callers it is estimated that 95% leave the centre with their permit
and/or voucher or dispensation at time of first visit. Customers who do not
leave with a permit/voucher are likely to have had insufficient / incorrect
evidence to support their application or they are simply not eligible for the
permit they seek. All services those are provided Face to Face in the
Customer Centre are also available either postal and/or on-line.

5.3 There are a number of customers who despite making their initial application
on-line, still prefer to attend in person to collect their permits / vouchers. Whilst
this is a quicker process than undertaking the full administration of issuing
permits/vouchers and checking the application Face to Face, it is
disappointing that customers do not wait for the permit/voucher to be received
through the post.

5.4 A number of on-line users also visit the customer centre, as they have not
received their permits/vouchers via the post and attend to check progress. It is
normally the case that non-dispatch is the result of some type of subsequent
issue with their payment rather than a service delay. This is then corrected
and permits/vouchers issued, however, these are still none the less
unnecessary contacts.

5.5 The face-to-face administration of issuing permits/vouchers where the
customer is paying by debit/credit card is dealt with by the same staff member
and relatively straightforward (assuming the customer has the correct
supporting documentation to hand).

5.6 Where the customer prefers to pay by cheque or cash the customer has to
join a further queue, pay at the Cash Office and return to the first staff member
who will hand over the permit/voucher on recording the payment receipt. Staff
do encourage card payment where the customer indicates they will be paying
by cheque by advising that they will need to queue further at the cash office.

5.7 The tables below show the volumes and resource costs of having customers
access permits and vouchers within the Customer Centre.

Customer face to face contacts 1st April 2010 to 25th October 2010

Customer Average transaction Total weekly Resources Cost of
Contacts time hours required resource
17950 9minutes 34 seconds 99 hours 3.5 £105,000

Parking permit customers accessing Cash office 1st April 2010 to 25th
October 2010

Customer Average Total weekly Resources Cost of
Contacts transaction hours required resource
time
7180 3 minutes 25 hours 0.9 £27,000

5.8 It is envisaged that with the continual improvement of the on-line parking
facilities and promotional work around ensuring customers are aware of the
on-line facility, these costs can be reduced as customers realise they can self
serve 24/7 and as stated above all permit/voucher transactions could be
undertaken online.

5.9 The permit type, which causes the most issues for the centre, is the foreign
car permit; this being due to the number of residency verification items
required i.e. 3, plus a document, which explains why the car is not registered
in the United Kingdom.
6.0 Challenging Parking Charge Notices

6.1 Within the customer centre customers can also submit their challenge against
a penalty notice, however the staff within the centre are unable to comment on
the validity of a customers challenge. Until recently we had a process where
an individual could queue for up to 30 minutes or more just to hand in their
challenge, and having waited so long the customer would try and engage staff
in a conversation regarding the penalty notice and such staff members are not
able to comment or advise.

6.2 This process was reviewed in July 2010 and changes made which improved
the situation and manages the customer‟s expectations. A secure box was
installed within the centre for customers to leave their challenges, hence no
wait time for the customer and better use of resource time. Whilst for some
this was a far more convenient process, for others they still feel they should
hand their items to a staff member and attempt a discussion. Moving forward,
the staff are working hard to encourage all customers making a challenge to
leave their items in the appropriate box, so as to free themselves up to see
other customers who do need to see a staff member in a more timely manner.

6.3 Prior to having the drop off facility the average weekly number of customers
using the centre to leave their challenge was 160, and they experienced an
average wait time of 23 minutes and 10 seconds. Currently the average
number of customers who insist on seeing a staff member is 41 weekly and
the average wait is 10 minutes 30 seconds.

7.0 CPZ Bay Width

7.1 Ealing Council currently, and has always, implemented permit bays with a
width of 1.8m as standard across the borough. While there are some permit
bays in certain areas that are marginally wider, generally, 1.8m is used and is
the minimum permitted in accordance with the Traffic Signs Regulations and
General Directions manual.

7.2 This width is considered appropriate in relation to the average width of a
residential road where commonly cars are parked on either side. The
minimum width is employed to ensure that the flow of traffic is maintained.
Were the width to be much greater, it may lead to drivers relaxing the way in
which they park as they would have a larger space in which they may legally
occupy. This in turn may result in hindering traffic flow.

7.3 While there are a number of wider, residential roads in the borough, capable
of facilitating wider bays, 1.8m tends to still be used to ensure consistency
throughout the borough. This policy pertaining to parking bay size has rarely
been an issue and such an issue is rare to appear as a complaint from a
resident or customer.
8.0 ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS TO A CPZ
8.1 When discussing the alternative options for a CPZ it is important to consider
what the root of the parking problem is and what the priority outcomes are of
the scheme before designing it.

8.2 A CPZ is often introduced to prevent commuters parking in a particular area,
and to provide controls for parking places within it, including permit parking. It
is not, however, necessary to introduce a CPZ in order to provide permit
parking.

Some other options that can control commuter/undesired parking are:

 Restricted Zones

 Permit Holder Parking Past This Point

 Individual Resident Parking Schemes

 No Waiting (staggered control)

 Limited Waiting Restrictions (and free shared use)

 Pay and Display (and charged shared use)

8.3 Restricted Zones

A zoned restriction of waiting/loading where the yellow line/blip is not marked
and where standard bays are not always used. These zones are not yet
prescribed by the Department for Transport.

A restricted zone operates very similar to a CPZ except for the fact that there
are no yellow lines marked within it, unless the yellow lines are double and the
restricted zone is not „no waiting at any time‟ (NWAAT). An example of this
has recently been designed and implemented in Orpington High Street by
Project Centre.

A restricted zone is usually reserved for use in isolated / specific areas that
have been highlighted for a reduced impact of street clutter/markings. The
bays are not required to be marked in the standard manner they can be
demarked by planters etc, and it is common that this type of zone compliments
a new street layout/design where parking is mostly „designed out‟ where it is
not desired.

Restricted zones are not suitable for large areas; they are best suited for
smaller areas of conservation/historic importance.
8.4 Permit Holders Parking Past This Point

Operates as a zone but is limited to permit holders only and no waiting, only
for use in areas with limited through traffic. These zones are not yet
prescribed by the Department for Transport.

This restriction involves signs facing the oncoming traffic similar to a CPZ,
where no vehicles without a valid parking permit that have passed that point
should then park on the highway within the „zone‟.

This option once again uses a non prescribed sign which is due to be included
in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) this year.
The highway past these signs should only include parking places where
permit holders only are permitted; the only other restriction recommended in
the area past these signs is NWAAT.

This option has been used without marking parking bays and is very useful
where there are a high number of vehicle crossover points or where it is
possible for local vehicles to park without causing obstruction but it is hard to
design standard bays. This option can only really be used in areas where
there is no/very limited through traffic, such as cul-de-sacs or small estates.
An exit sign is required if there is another way out of the area other than the
entrance.

8.5 Individual Resident Parking Schemes

This is a non-zone approach to a CPZ that would require signs on all single
yellow lines.

A CPZ is not required to implement a resident parking scheme. The
restrictions can all be signed individually. This approach can also involve a
zoned permit approach where several streets have the same code for their
permits. There is also no requirement to conform to similar timings in the area.

The primary difference is that there are no boundary signs and that all single
yellow lines (if required) are signed individually with repeaters at every 60m.
The main drawback of this style is the inconsistency with the trend of design
within London and the opportunity to adjust the restricted waiting times at a
lower / reduced cost by not needing to replace all the repeater signs in the
zone.

8.6 No Waiting (staggered control)

A simple option for localised areas, where single yellow lines are used
throughout a street, but with a short controlled period that differs either side of
the road.
This option can include the use of parking places, but primarily functions to
deter commuter parking in an area that free parking is permitted, such as a
local park. One side of the road might be restricted to NW 10am-11am and the
other NW 2pm-3pm or similar, thus permitting road users to park for free for
most of the day but deterring commuters as they would need to return to their
vehicles in the afternoon to move them from one side of the road to the other.

8.7 Limited Waiting Restrictions (and free shared use)

A stand-alone restriction that can be used where free parking is permitted for a
limited time period, and can be combined with resident only.

The shared option works best when not within a CPZ and should be during the
same hours that the permit parking is operative, otherwise the signs become
overcomplicated.

8.8 Pay and Display (and charged shared use)

Another stands alone restriction similar to above but with paid parking.

As with limited waiting this option is very useful in areas with commercial
activity and can be combined with permit parking but in this case caution must
be taken if P&D is not 24hour and permit holder is, not just because of the
complicated signage, but also because once a ticket is purchased the road
user may expect to park for the duration on the ticket and then for free
afterwards as is common with P&D.

This option currently requires a P&D machine to be available nearby but could
be combined with Voucher Parking instead where vouchers are purchased
locally (similar to Waltham Forest). There are developments being discussed
in various boroughs about P&D relying solely on SMS payment in particular
streets but this is not yet favoured in outer London areas.

9.0 London CPZ comparisons
There are a number of variations in the way that controlled parking zones
operate throughout the London Boroughs. The following section of this report
highlights some of the methods used by three different London Boroughs.

9.1 A single permit zone - RBKC

The “one zone” method of controlling on-street parking in the Royal Borough
of Kensington and Chelsea operates by controlling the entire borough with
one or more controlled parking zones but offering a resident parking permit
that allows residents to park anywhere within the borough. This differs from
other zonal methods that restrict residents to one zone only.
Table 1 outlines the advantages and disadvantages of this approach: -

Table 1

Advantages of “one zone” Disadvantages of “one zone”
method method

Allowing residents to park anywhere It does not discourage intra-borough
in the borough removes boundary vehicle trips.
issues, e.g. when a residents local
shops fall within a different
controlled zone and their permit is
not valid within that zone.

The permit administrative process is Parking stress can be very high
simpler as only one permit type is around popular attractions such as
issued to all residents. tube stations and shopping areas.

9.2 Shared use parking system – Hammersmith and Fulham

The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham operate a shared use
parking system, i.e. they do not designate any parking bays as resident only.
This varies from a number of London boroughs who designate bays as
resident only and place shared use near shopping areas or other attractions.

Table 2 outlines the advantages and disadvantages of this approach: -

Table 2

Advantages of shared use system Disadvantages of shared use
system

A visitor permit scheme is not A pay and display system is required
necessary as visitors can park within with this approach to make it effective
any parking bay (provided they pay and easily enforceable. This requires
and display). a substantial investment in pay and
display infrastructure

Parking bays are maximised and the Residents must “compete” with visitors
problem of oversubscribed non- for available parking space. This
residents bays with available parking problem can be intensified around
in residents bays does not occur. football stadiums, shopping areas and
tube stations.

There are tools to prevent long stay
visitor parking such as maximum stay
and increasing pay and display tariffs.
9.3 Parking for special events or for specific periods throughout the year –
Hounslow

An alternative to implementing a CPZ that operates at all times is to operate
parking controls during times of high parking stress, for example during a
festival, sports event or during term time.

The London Borough of Hounslow operates a Twickenham event day parking
scheme, which only operates on event days and is uncontrolled at all other
times.

Table 3 outlines the advantages and disadvantages of this approach:-

Table 3

Advantages of event day scheme Disadvantages of event day scheme

Parking controls only apply when they Parking infrastructure (signs and line
are needed. marking) are still required in the zone to
enable enforcement of the controls on
the event day.

10. Legal Implications

This report in itself recommends or actions nothing. Any recommendations
arising out of its consideration will need to be the subject of separate legal
comment.

11. Financial Implications

This report in itself recommends or actions nothing. Any recommendations
arising out of its consideration will need to be the subject of separate financial
comment.

12. Background papers

None
Consultation

Name of Department Date sent Date Comments
consultee to response appear in report
consultee received para:
from
consultee

Internal
Helen Shacklock A D of Customer Services 01.11.2010 Throughout
Shahid Iqbal A D of Highways 01.11.2010 Throughout
Councillor Cabinet Member for Transport 01.11.2010 Throughout
Bassam Mahfouz and Environment

Report History

Decision type: I. Urgency item?
EITHER: No
For information

Authorised by Cabinet Date report Report deadline: Date report sent:
member: drafted:
XX.XX.05 XX.XX.05 XX.XX.05 XX.XX.05

Report no.: Report author and contact for queries:
Kevin Hagan, x 6252
Appendix 1 – Information from L.B Hounslow website

Hounslow Council Residents' parking permit
Residents‟ permits are only valid within the specified zone in which you live, and in
resident bays or “shared use” indicated by plates by the side of the bays.
They are not valid on yellow lines, in business only bays, in disabled bays, in pay
and display only bays, at meters, in motorcycle bays (unless being displayed by a
motorcycle) or in Hounslow Council car parks and not on a yellow line restriction.

They only relate to the vehicle whose registration number is shown on the permit
and are not transferable.
If you require a residents permit please complete a residents' permit application
form, available to download on this page.
If you live in the Twickenham parking zone (Zone R), complete a Zone R
application form.

Supporting information

Applications can only be accepted when supported with proof of residency and
vehicle ownership.

As proof of residency, a photocopy of any two of the following showing your name
and address, as provided in 'Part 1' of the application form:
 Tenancy agreement
 Council tax registration (*see note below)
 Utility bill (gas/water/electric/landline telephone issued within previous 3
months)
 Electoral register entry (*see note below)
 Photo driving licence

*If you tick this box on the application form, we will check the relevant records
on your behalf without requiring you to provide any documents. This applies to
postal applications only

As proof of vehicle ownership, a photocopy of any two of the following showing
your name and address, as provided in 'Part 1' of the application form:
 Vehicle registration document (full)
 Hiring/leasing agreement
 Letter from employer (company car)
 Insurance certificate
 V11 car tax renewal

Please note: if you do not provide the necessary documentation or your
application form is incomplete, it is likely that it will be returned to you or there will
be a delay in receiving your permit.
If you do not have the necessary documentation you will need to apply for a
Temporary Residents permit. Please refer to the application form on this page.
Charges

6 months 12 months 24 months
First vehicle £35 £60 £115
Second vehicle £45 £80 £155
Third vehicle £70 £130 £255
Gunnersbury 6 months 12 months 24 months
First vehicle £25 £40 £75
Second vehicle £32.50 £55 £105
Third vehicle £45 £80 £155

Please note that childminders or nannies do not qualify as residents and cannot
apply for this permit. They need to obtain a business permit.

Business parking permit
To get a parking permit for your business please complete and sign a business
permit application form, available to download from this page.
Please fill in all the information requested, sign and date it. Incomplete application
forms will be subject to a delay or may be returned.
Applications may be made by anyone with a business within the zone. You do not
have to be a resident within the borough.
Permits are valid in business-only bays or appropriately marked dual or triple use
bays within the specified zoned area.
They are not valid in resident-only, pay and display only, disabled bays, motorcycle
only bays (unless displayed by a motorcycle), in Hounslow Council car parks or at
meters nor on yellow line restrictions.
They are only valid for the vehicle registration number and the zone shown on the
permit and are not transferable.

Charges

 A commercial permit costs £400 per year
 A private permit costs £635 per year
Visitors' parking permit

Long-term visitor permit

If you have a relative or friend staying with you for a month or more you can buy a
long-term visitor permit.
The permit is issued on a monthly basis.

Please note: there is a maximum of 3 long term visitor permits available per
household, per year.
It must be used as if it were a resident permit.
Complete and sign a long-term visitor permit application form, available to download
from this page.
Please fill in all the information requested, sign and date it. Incomplete application
forms will be subject to a delay or may be returned.
A permit lasting one month costs £32.50.

Short-term visitor permit

If you have visitors for short periods of time, you can use a short-term visitor permit
to allow them to park in the resident-only bays in your area.
Proof of residency is required when applying.
The permit is in the form of a lined booklet.
There are 30 lines in one booklet and each line is valid for one hour from the start
time.
You can fill out the appropriate amount of lines for the visit and give it to your visitor
to display in their vehicle.
It must be used as if it were a resident permit.
A maximum of ten short-term visitor permits per household, per twelve-month
period will be issued.
Complete and sign a short-term visitor application form, available to download from
this page.
A booklet of permits costs £15 unless you live in the Twickenham event zone where
permits are free.

Please note: short-term visitor permits are non-refundable
Carer/medical parking permit

Carer permit

Carers who regularly visit sick or dependent relatives or friends and provide them
with routine care can apply for a carer permit. Proof is required.
These permits must be used as if they were resident permits.
Complete and sign a carer permit application form, available to download from this
page.
Please fill in all the information requested, sign and date it. Incomplete application
forms will be subject to a delay or may be returned.
A carer's permit costs £32.50.

Medical permit

Genuine medical staff required to make home visits to clients for medical reasons
can apply for a medical permit.
Medical permits are only valid in resident bays and "shared use" bays (dual or triple
use). They are valid in all parking zones within Hounslow.
They are not valid at meters, in Hounslow Council car parks nor on yellow line
restrictions.
Complete and sign a medical permit application form, available to download from
this page.
Please fill in all the information requested, sign and date it. Incomplete application
forms will be subject to a delay or may be returned.
A medical permit costs £32.50.
Appendix 2 – Information from L.B. Ealing website (with additional information)

Ealing Council Residents' parking permit

Please note that on UK bank holidays you may park freely within a residents parking
bay only in any Ealing CPZ without displaying a visitor voucher or parking permit.

 Resident's permits cost either £25 or £45 per annum depending on your zone.
 Business permits cost £250 per annum.
 Resident's visitor vouchers prices vary from zone to zone (see below).
 Business visitor vouchers are £1 per hour.
 Borough wide visitor service vouchers (service vouchers) are £1 per hour.
Please note that you can use a visitor voucher application form to apply for
service vouchers.
 Any orders valued over £50 must be collected in person from the Customer
Service Centre, Perceval House, Ealing W5 2HL. This is to avoid any
confusion over lost mail.

All parking permits issued for controlled parking zones (CPZs) are annual permits.
They are available only to residents, businesses, allotments, religious organisations,
doctor's surgeries and veterinary practices (with a doctor's/veterinary bay). The
vehicle for which you are applying must not exceed three metres in height and 1.83
metres in width.

Resident's permits

There are approximately 25,000 Parking Permits issued annually, by the council, with
the bulk of them being issued as standard Residents Parking Permits (23,000). To
obtain a permit residents must provide proof of Residency and Vehicle ownership.
The permit is valid in the residents “home” CPZ only.

Table 4 gives a breakdown of Residents Permits

Vehicles per Number of Number of %age of
Household households permits households
1 15,376 15,376 82.9
2 2,901 5,802 15.4
3 412 1,236 2.2
4 76 304 0.4
5 15 75 0.1
6 5 30 0
18,785 22,823 100

Historically the application process has been either face-to-face or postal, although
more use has been made of online services in the past year or so. The current
rolling year has a 45:55 split between face to face and all other transaction types.
The chart below giving an indication of the take up of web services.

Applications for a Resident parking Permit require the submission of an application
form with:

1) One (1) proof of vehicle ownership (i.e. DVLA registration certificate, confirmation
letter from company if vehicle is leased or assigned to an employee)
2) One (1) proof of residency (i.e. a utility bill, bank statement, council tax bill all to be
dated within the last three months).

If applicant has two addresses and the vehicle is registered to an address outside of
the zone to which the application refers; then three (3) current proofs of residency
and a copy of the DVLA registration certificate bearing their name and alternate
address must be provided along with a covering letter outlining why the vehicle is not
registered to the CPZ address.

If the application concerns a vehicle registered outside of the country then a copy of
the foreign registration certificate must be provided with (3) current proofs of
residency, and a covering letter explaining their situation. This is only acceptable if
the foreign certificate bears the applicants name. If the vehicle is being accessed by
the applicant but they are not the registered keeper; the applicant must provide the
DVLA registration certificate, one (1) current proof of residency, copy of the
insurance document showing the applicant is insured under the vehicle and a
covering letter from the applicant explaining why they are using a vehicle not
registered to their name or address.

The move to online services has uncovered a series of permit issue anomalies
relating primarily to eligibility of particular addresses. In theory eligibility of properties
in respect to Residents Permits should be controlled via a schedule of addresses
attached to the traffic order for that CPZ. It would appear that over time, permits have
been issued to additional properties, for example, near to (but outside) the CPZ
boundary. In some instances permits have been issued for a significant number of
years and to multiple owners of the same property. At the present time there is no
clear policy in respect to resolving these cases.

Resident's permits are either £25 or £45 per annum depending on your zone. There
are different ways to apply for a new resident's permit. You will need to provide us
with the proof listed below:

 recent proof of residency dated no older than three months. For permit
applications the council accepts copies of utility bills, bank or building society
statements, credit card statements or wage slips. The proof supplied must
bear the name and address of the applicant. Please note that you must supply
us your existing permit number when renewing your permit or when you are
changing your vehicle.
 a copy of your vehicle registration document (logbook) showing your name
and address. The address in the logbook needs to match your nominated
address within the CPZ. Please note we no longer accept insurance
certificates. As this does not validate the ownership of the vehicle. For a
company vehicle you must submit a letter from the company on official
headed paper. For hire/lease vehicles you must submit a copy of the
hire/lease agreement. Please note that you do not need to re-submit the
logbook when renewing your permit for the same vehicle.

Business permits

Business Permits allow the holder to park within dedicated Business Bays or Permit
Bays within the councils CPZ network.

Applications for Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) business permits currently require
the submission of; an application form, the applicable payment and a covering
company letter explaining the use of the vehicle, details of the employee‟s
designation, vehicle details and details of the vehicle usage. Business Permits
applications can only be made through the post.

During a recent review of pricing the decision was made to distinguish between
commercial vehicles (through a discount) and private vehicles. The previous
methodology had a flat charging profile across both vehicle types.

Guidelines on who should / should not be entitled to Business Permits and how many
they are entitled to, are open to interpretation which can on occasion lead to conflict
between officers, residents and applicants.

Businesses in CPZs which do not have enough off-street parking spaces can apply
for a business permit to park in their zone. To obtain a business permit you will need
to provide a copy of your business rate/letter containing your business rates. we
exercise the right to limit the amount of permits issued to a business. All business
permits cost £250 per annum. Please note that you must supply us your existing
permit number when renewing your permit or when you are changing your vehicle.
To apply for or to renew a business permit, please fill in the relevant application
form for your zone and provide us with the proof required as stated above.
Religious organisations' permits

Any religious establishment can apply for up to 25 permits if the religious
premises falls within a CPZ.

Are issued to religious establishments to allow worshipers to visit and park in the
otherwise restricted resident bays. Applications for Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ)
religious permits require the submission of an application form, covering letter and
payment.

There is a limit of 25 permits per establishment; however, there are cases of multiple
religious establishments claiming residency at the same address, which can place
undue pressure on the parking in that local area.

Resident Visitor Vouchers (Scratch cards)

A Resident Visitor Vouchers (Scratch Card) system exists to enable visitor parking
within the “Resident Bays” in the councils CPZ network. Historically this has been
delivered through a system of zone specific scratch cards in units of 1 Hour, 3 Hour
and All Day.

During a recent review of pricing the decision was made to move to a flat hourly
charge, which following concerns raised regarding the effect on Residents / Visitors
in some of the very long duration CPZ‟s was capped at a seven hour limit (or £3.50).

There is in effect an automatic eligibility to purchase, for anybody who has a
Resident Permit (as they will have already proved residency) and a simplified
application for customers that do not have a Resident Permit, based on proving
residency only (as opposed to vehicle ownership as well).

The recent move to a hourly charging, opens up the possibility of electronic /
purchase on demand vending and this is currently being explored by officers with the
marketplace.

Allotment Permits

Allotment permits are issued to allotment holders whose allotment is within a CPZ.
Application is straightforward and based on evidence of ownership of the vehicle and
proof of the allotment. There are no particular concerns with issue or use, other than
the relatively small scale of the permit group and the inefficacy of maintenance.

The current guidelines require the submission of an application form to be
accompanied by evidence of allotment ownership.