Parking changes

We carefully assess each road before introducing any type of parking control. This may involve undertaking parking surveys, consultation with local communities and emergency services as well as liaising with your Ward Councillors.

In some instances, a scheme is extended to protect roads from the displacement of parked vehicles from a previously uncontrolled area. An opportunity is always given for any formal objections to be made, which must be stated in writing and sent within the time period specified in the advertised notice. Any objections received are fully considered in consultation with your local Ward Councillors.

Can individual roads opt out of a new parking scheme?

Residents may submit a petition to exclude their road from parking controls and this might be considered. However, this isn’t recommended if the surrounding area is restricted as from experience in other areas it’s very likely that parking will simply get displaced into any uncontrolled spaces. Through the consultation process, residents will be able to state whether they support a new parking scheme or not.

How do I find out if my property is in a controlled parking zone?

Signs will be provided in roads where controlled parking operates. You can also check if you are inside a parking zone by visiting our permit parking zones page.

Where can I park with a residents parking permit?

If you display a valid permit on the windscreen of your vehicle, you'll be entitled to park in the residents parking scheme area during its hours of operation. A residents parking permit doesn't enable a vehicle to be parked on yellow line waiting/loading restrictions, allow free parking at any pay and display area, business parking area or unlimited time in any loading bays which may be located within the residents parking scheme area. It also does not allow you to park in other resident zones free of charge.

Will a permit parking scheme guarantee me a parking space in my road?

A parking permit is not a guarantee of a parking space, nor can we reserve parking on the public highway for individual private properties. However, by preventing commuters and other long term parking in your area, controlled parking zones make it much more likely that you’ll find a parking space near home.

What happens to the commuters/non-residents when controlled parking is introduced?

Controlled Parking Zones are part of the Council’s work to tackle congestion and pollution by making drivers think about alternative modes of travel. Those drivers that cannot or will not consider changing the way they travel will likely continue to want to park for free on other roads. This displacement means that drivers may start parking in roads just outside of the Controlled Parking Zone or move onto a different area.

Can I park on the verge outside my house? 

No. Vehicles must not park on any grass or vegetative areas as this will cause them to deteriorate. Even if there are surrounding footway parking signs these will apply to hard pavement surfaces only.

Can I still accept deliveries if I have controlled parking in my road?

Yes, vehicles can still stop to load & unload (for up to 20 mins as long as it is continuous). The main exception is where loading restrictions have been introduced (these places will have street signs saying ‘no loading’).

Do I need a parking permit to park on my driveway or on any other private land?

No, you only need to display a permit when parked on the road during the controlled times.

What other vehicles can park in resident permit parking places?

In addition to residents' vehicles, the following vehicles can also be parked in resident parking places:

• vehicles displaying a visitor permit
• police, fire brigade, ambulance and other local authority vehicles
• doctors and nurses vehicles displaying an appropriate permit
• removal vans
• vehicles which are being used to deliver or collect goods from properties next to the parking place
• vehicles which are picking up or setting down passengers

I’m a disabled blue badge holder. How will a new parking scheme affect me?

Residents that hold a valid blue disabled badge and live within a permit parking area may receive their resident and visitor permits free of charge, subject to a maximum limit. Blue badge holders may also be entitled to use other parking facilities for free, see our Blue Badge Scheme page for further information.

I have a health carer that comes to my home. Where can they park?

Essential User Permits are available to those who work for or are contracted to a Health Service, London Borough of Redbridge, The Police or Fire Service. This permit allows the user to park in any vacant pay and display bay, residents’ bay and, in any Council operated pay and display car park for a maximum of 2 hours. Find out more information by visiting our essential user parking permit page. Alternatively, visitor permits may be used in the normal way.

Residents that hold a valid blue disabled badge and live within a permit parking area may receive their resident and visitor permits free of charge, subject to a maximum limit

Is there a limit to the number of permits available to each household or business?

In most cases, there is no limit to the number of permits that can be purchased, though local restrictions can be imposed if there is an obvious shortage of on-street parking space.

How much do parking permits cost?

See the parking permits page for details.

Why is the price of a second/third parking permit so high?

The price of a second and third residents’ permit is set with the aim of reducing the demand for on-street parking in our busy borough.

If I apply online, when will I get my permit?

You can apply online for permits. In most cases, the Parking Management team will send out your permits in the post within five working days, or otherwise email you to tell you if there is a problem with your application.

Can I use my permit in a different zone?

No, they are only applicable to the zone in which you live.

Can I use my Resident permit on a different car?

No, they are uniquely identified to the approved vehicle, and must only be used on that vehicle.

Won’t my permit be worth stealing from my car?

No, they are unique to the vehicle and their design prevents copying or alteration, in order to prevent fraud.

Was there consultation on your parking strategy?

Yes, thousands of people from across the Borough responded and the strategy reflects the outcomes from this.

Will workmen/delivery drivers need a permit?

Tradespeople and deliveries will only need a permit if their vehicle is to remain in the parking area for longer than is needed to load/unload/deliver.

How do visitor permits work, is there any expiry date?

Each book contains 10 scratch-off type permits which allow for a vehicle to park for up to one day. The permit is not valid until it is scratched off and there is not an expiry date on the permit books.

Can my visitors park in front of my dropped kerb without a permit?

No.

Do I have to give notice to use the free parking in the pay & display areas?

No notice is required as it can be arranged once you have parked.

Will business permit holders be able to park in the same places as residents?

Business permit holders will be able to use Business and dual use parking bays but will not be able to use areas which are for resident permit holders only.

When are road markings expected to be in the road?

Much of the scheme will only involve the use of road signs (stating resident permit holders parking only past this point). Where new markings are required these will be provided in the last few weeks before the commencement date of the scheme.

Why was the rest of the road (outside the affected area) not notified?

There has to be a point where the scheme ends. Should a parking problem occur in other areas then this will be investigated and appropriate action taken.

I don’t need a resident permit, but can I still buy visitor permits?

Yes.

If resident permit areas are full, can residents park in the pay & display bays without being fined?

No.

Can I park in surrounding roads with my permit?

Your permit is valid for the zone in which you live and can be used in surrounding roads as long as they have the same zone code as your permit.

If I park on my own driveway, will I still be affected?

No.