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FAQs about residents' parking schemes

Here you'll find some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about residents' parking.

If you need to get in touch you can:

• call us on 023 023 9268 8310
• email parking@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
• write to us at
  Parking Service, Alec Rose Lane, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2BX

How do I apply for a permit?

We need to see proof of your address and your vehicle registration documents.

The proof of address can be a tenancy agreement or solicitor’s letter confirming purchase, or a household bill, council tax bill, driving licence or bank statement. The vehicle registration document must be in your name at the permit address to obtain a full permit, although you can be issued with a temporary six week permit if it is an old address or a new keeper supplement. Applications can be sent in the post (you should only send copies of documents) or they can be brought into our reception at the address above.

What do I do if I have visitors?

You can purchase visitor parking scratch cards for any visitors including workmen, by producing proof of address. They are available from our reception at the address above or the following offices:

• Carnegie Library, Fratton Road for zones GA, JE and JF.
• Portsea Library or Portsea Housing Office, John Pounds Community Centre, Aylward Street for zones JA and JD.
• Landport Housing Office, Commercial Place for zones JB and FC.
• Elm Grove Library, Elm Grove for zones KB, KC, KD and LA
• Cosham Library for zones AB, BA, BB, BC and BD.
• Buckland Post Office, Kingston Road for zones FA, FC and FD.
• Beddow Library, Milton Road for GB zone.
• Palmerston Road Post Office for KC zone.
• North End Library for FD zone.
• Somerstown Post Office, St James's Road for LA zone.

There are 4 different scratchcards available:

• 12 hours for 80p each
• 24 hours for £1.50 each
• 4 continuous days for £5 each
• 7 continuous days for £9 each

Can I buy a second permit for my visitors?

No, a permit can only be issued to vehicles registered at the address within the  parking scheme. This is why we must always see the vehicle registration document for vehicles before issuing a permit.

How do I know where to park?

All bays which can be used by permit holders will be identified by the words "XX zone permit holders exempt" on the sign where "XX" are the letters for the zone for which your permit is issued, such as GA Fratton, KC West Southsea, KA Old Portsmouth.

When you enter a residents’ permit parking zone, there will be a sign stating "Controlled Zone" and below the no waiting symbol "XX zone".  When leaving the zone the signage will read "Zone Ends".

How long does it take to issue a permit?

We advise to allow 7 days as this time will vary dependant on the volume of applications received. Applications that arrive through the post will be dealt with in order and then posted back out as soon as possible. Applications received at the counter can normally be collected from the office or posted out.

It is therefore advisable not to wait until the permit has expired before renewing it and to have visitor scratchcards available to cover your vehicle until the permit has been received.

What if I don’t have the documents for a permit?

If you do not have the vehicle registration document for a full permit, we can issue a six week temporary permit for your vehicle as long as we see either the new keeper’s supplement, insurance documents or vehicle registration document in another address. The full vehicle registration document in your name at the address within the zone will have to be seen to get the full permit. It is not automatically sent to you. We must always see proof of address to obtain either resident or visitor permits.

What do I do if I change my vehicle?

We can change the registration on a permit, but to do so we must have the original permit returned, the new vehicle registration document, new keeper’s supplement or insurance documents and proof of address. There is a charge of £12 for changing details on a permit. If the full vehicle registration document is not provided, a six week temporary permit will be issued until this is seen however, you will not have to pay again when the full permit is issued.

I’m a named driver on the insurance, can I get a residents' parking permit?

No, the vehicle must be registered with the DVLA to you at an address within the zone to be issued with a full residents' parking permit. We can issue you with a six week temporary permit until you have changed the vehicle registration documents with the DVLA, but only one of these can be issued. If you cannot or do not re-register the vehicle, you will have to purchase visitor permits to be exempt from the restrictions.

Can I get a permit for my company van?

Company cars can be issued with a residents’ parking permit by providing a letter from their company on headed paper giving details of the vehicle registration, make and model to show that it is a car.

If the vehicle is not a car, even if it is only a small van, it cannot automatically be issued with a permit. It must be either the only vehicle at the property to be issued with a permit, or you must be able to prove that you need the vehicle for emergency call-out purposes. Applications again need to be made on company headed paper providing the information required above.

Can I have a permit for a foreign registered vehicle?

No, the vehicle must be re registered in this country and issued with a new registration number and registration document by the DVLA which will confirm that it is registered to you at an address within the scheme.    

What do I do if my car is in an accident?

If you have a courtesy car from a garage, bring in the hire agreement with the vehicle details and your original permit to the Parking Service and we can issue a temporary permit in exchange. There is no charge for this but we must have your original permit back. Once you have finished with the courtesy car, bring your temporary permit back and we will give you your original permit. If you have a new car instead, the procedure is the same as for changing your vehicle.

I live in a flat in a house, do I have to pay for my permit?

Permits are issued per address, if you live in a flat which has a separate postal address (such as Flat 1 or Flat A), then this is treated separately from other flats in the building. If you just live in a room in a shared house, the house is classed as one address and any more than one permit must be paid for.

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