Permit Controlled Parking Zones - Residential and Business/Commuter

1. Who qualifies for a permit?

Any resident living within the controlled zone can apply for a permit.  Residents can also apply for a permit for regular visitors to their property.

2. What are the different types of permit?

Residential Permit: Available to all residents of the property with a vehicle.  The permit is issued to a specific vehicle and must be displayed in the vehicle at all times.  There is no limit to the number of residential permits issued per property. *

Open Permit: Only one permit of this type allowed per property.  The permit does not hold a vehicle registration and should be used for short term visitors to the property.

Visitor Permit: Available to regular visitors to a resident within a controlled zone.  The resident must make the application and provide consent to the permit.  There is no limit to the number of visitor permits that can be requested per property. *

* Properties within zone M are subject to a limit of 2 permits per property.

3. How do I apply?

All applications must be made by the resident of the property.  We will request your permission to access Council records to validate your address and you will need to provide your vehicle log book, insurance document or hire agreement.  Renewal applications can be carried out over the telephone as long as there have been no changes.  Applications are made at the Civic Centre, Victoria Road, Hartlepool TS24 8AY.  If you wish to renew please ring 01429 523331.

4. How much are the permits?

First permit: £15.00

Second permit: £25.00

Third permit: £40.00

Subsequent permits: £40.00

The charge is not subjective to the permit type, for example, if you require a residential, an open and a visitor permit the total cost is £80.00.  It doesn't matter what type of permit is issued.

5. What if I apply for my permit mid-way through the year?

Each permit zone renews at a different time of the year.  If you join the zone within the year and there are more than 6 months left until the renewal zone, you will be charged the full fee.  If you join and there are less than 6 months remaining, you will receive a 50% discount.

6. What if I cancel mid-way through the year?

If you cancel with more than 6 months remaining on your permit, you will be entitled to a 50% refund.  If you have less than 6 months remaining you will not be entitled to a refund.  In order to obtain a refund you must return the original permit.

7. What if I lose or mislay my permit?

Resident and Visitor permits will be replaced at a £5.00 administration charge.  Open permits will be replaced at a charge of £20.00.

8. What do I do if I change my vehicle?

You will need to contact us to change your permit.  You can change your vehicle twice within the zone period free of charge.  You will need to provide your new vehicle documents such as your log book, insurance document or hire agreement.  If you are waiting for documents, you can also apply for a 2-week parking exception.  This allows you time to change your permit and you can still park in the controlled zone.  If you wish to apply for the exemption, please contact 01429 523331 and have your new vehicle registration number to hand.

9. What if I have a company vehicle?

You can still apply for a permit.  Instead of your vehicle registration document, a letterhead from your company to confirm that you have a company car or your insurance documents will be sufficient.

10. Does the visitor/open permit allow visitors to park in the residential zone indefinitely?

No.  Visitor and open permits are only valid for the purpose of visiting the resident of the property for which the permit has been issued.  The permit will be deemed invalid once the visit ceases and the vehicle may be subject to a penalty charge notice.

11. Can I apply for a vehicle exemption instead of a parking permit?

Yes, but only for a maximum of 2 weeks or 5 separate days in the 12-month renewal period.  Thereafter the householder will need to apply for the necessary permits.

12. Are there any circumstances where non-permit holders can park in a permit controlled zone?

An allowance of up to 10 minutes may be made to allow for loading and unloading/dropping off, etc.  In certain zones there are also limited waiting areas.  Signs in the area will confirm the waiting allowance.

13. I am a resident in a controlled zone, but I do not have a vehicle.  Do I still need to apply for a permit?

Any vehicle parking in the street will need a permit, so you may wish to purchase an open permit to accommodate any visitors you may receive.

14. Does a resident permit guarantee me a space outside of my house?

No.  The permit allows you to park in the marked bays in your street.  Bays are not allocated to individuals.

15. What if I can't get parked in my street?

If your street is full, you are permitted to park in the nearest adjacent street in a residential controlled zone.

16. What happens if I forget to display my permit or the permit falls off the windscreen/dashboard?

The Civil Enforcement Officers examine vehicles for valid permits.  If the permit is not correctly displayed so that all the details can be read, they will issue a Penalty Charge Notice to the vehicle.

17. What are the hours of enforcement?

The regulations currently apply from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm (excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day).  Other Bank Holidays are not exempt from enforcement.

18. Why don't Civil Enforcement Officers knock on my door if they can't see a permit on my vehicle?

Civil Enforcement Officers are not instructed to do this.  It is the residents' responsibility to ensure that a valid permit is displayed.

19. Are there any concessions for blue badge holders?

Blue badge holders are permitted to park in a residents parking zone for up to 3 hours, as long as their badge and clock are clearly displayed.

20. Do businesses operating within a residents controlled zone qualify for permits?

Businesses can apply for up to 2 business permits at a cost of £350.00 per permit per annum.

21. Are there any concessions for essential service staff (e.g. Health Service/Social Services) who visit service users who reside within the restricted zones?

Yes.  Essential service staff are issued with a permit to enable them to visit service users who reside within the restricted zone.