Parking suspensions

Below are some of the most asked questions about parking suspensions.

When do I need to apply to suspend a bay?

If you think you need a suspension, you must apply well in advance.

We require:

• ten working days notice to suspend a resident parking space 
  • we may consider applications up to 5 days before the start date, at our discretion and additional charges apply
• two working days notice to suspend a pay-by-phone bay

What if I urgently need a (resident) parking suspension?

We will consider an application for a resident permit bay made up to 5 days before the start day. This will be at our discretion and short-notice charges will apply in addition to the standard charges. 

What type of bays can I reserve or suspend?

Resident parking bays and pay-by-phone bays can be suspended. 

We only suspend dedicated spaces such as disabled bays, doctors' bays, car club bays or diplomats' bays if there are no other alternatives.

You can apply for permission (dispensation) to load and unload on single yellow lines for some vehicle types. 

Do I need to suspend parking for a Domestic or office furniture removal?

You do not have to suspend parking bays to carry out domestic or office removals. You can stop in any parking bay or on single yellow lines if you can find a space and make sure you don't cause an obstruction. 

You can't put out barriers or notices to block off the space. Any unloading and loading must be continuous or the vehicle will be liable for a Penalty Charge Notice.

See more about parking dispensations.

Can I request a specific location for a parking suspension?

We will allocate a parking suspension as close to your requirements as possible however there may be reasons why we cannot implement a parking suspension exactly to your requirements.  

If this is the case, we will explain why an alternative location has been suggested.

How to recognise if a parking space has been suspended?

Suspended bays have a yellow warning notice posted over the nearest available signage within the relevant parking place.

When are yellow warning notices put up on street?

We put bay suspension warning notices on street:

• seven days in advance for residents' bays (or three days in advance for short notices or less in cases of emergencies)
• the day before for pay-by-phone bays

The yellow warning notice will identify the suspended location, confirm the start and end dates and give the reason for the suspension. 

How do I search for upcoming suspensions in my street or area?

You can sign up to receive email alerts about suspensions in your selected roads or you can search upcoming suspensions here

I am moving house, how do I book a space for the removal van?

Whether you are moving out or moving in to the Royal Borough, you will most likely need to book a parking space for the removal van outside your property. If your removal company does not arrange the parking suspension with us on your behalf as part of their service, you will need to submit an application in time to the council, visit Parking suspensions. 

If there are no suitable parking bays or the vehicle needs to be closer to the premises, you can apply for a parking dispensation in certain circumstances. This requires continuous loading and unloading to take place on a single yellow line. Vehicle exemptions and conditions of use apply

Someone else is parked in my reserved bay!

If, on the day of the suspension, you have any difficulties with vehicles obstructing the suspended bays then please telephone our contractor on 01285 238 956. A Civil Enforcement Officer will visit the location as soon as possible and issue a parking ticket if appropriate. Vehicles may be removed or relocated