FAQs
If you are considering joining or applying for a Residents' Parking Scheme we are sure that you will have many questions.
Below are the most common questions we're asked. If you have another question not listed please use our FAQ pages|. You can focus your search in the 'Transport and Streets' section, but searching the entire database may throw up other useful information too.
If you find that your question is not covered please call 01785 276727 or email clear.streets@staffordshire.gov.uk||.
Will every street become a Residents' Parking Zone?
If you can't park close to your home due to the number of residents' vehicles exceeding the available parking space, it is extremely unlikely that a Residents' Parking Scheme will prove effective or beneficial.
The number of permits issued would either be fewer than the number desired or far too many for the spaces available. Both scenarios would mean that some people with permits would still be unable to find a parking space in the zone.
The size of an area or zone considered appropriate for the implementation of a Residents' Parking Scheme is also important. Single roads will not normally be considered but a whole estate, or other area with well defined boundaries, might be. Also a zone must not be so large that residents would feel compelled to drive from one side of the zone to the other to access shops, business etc.
How will schemes be enforced?
By the District/Borough Councils Parking Attendants (Civil Enforcement Officers). Any vehicle parked without correctly displaying a valid Parking Permit will be liable for a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) which is set periodically by elected Councillors in accordance with central government guidelines
Where will permit holders park?
Individual parking bays will normally be provided within each zone but none will be specifically allocated to individual permit holders. There is no guarantee that Permit Holders will be able to park outside their property.
Vehicles must be parked wholly within a marked bay with no part of the vehicle spanning another marked bay. Incorrectly parked vehicles will make the Permit Holder liable to a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). The residents permit is not valid for any other parking zone.
How much will a permit cost?
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Standard Residents Permit - the cost will be determined by the Staffordshire Parking Board and reviewed on an annual basis. A reduction in the cost of a Standard Permit will apply to owners of hybrid fuel vehicles to encourage environmentally friendly car use (the original Vehicle Registration Document will be required as proof) .
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Visitor Permits - where site constraints allow, permits for casual visitors to park may be bought in advance from the issuing Authority. Alternatively, visitors will be able to park in shared, free, parking areas where space is available.
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Business Permits - where a Business is situated within a zone one Permit may be issued per five or fewer employees at a cost equal to that of a standard Residents Permit up to a maximum of three Permits. For businesses with no off-street parking the cost will be equal to that of a Standard Residents permit. For businesses with off-street parking the cost will be twice that of a Standard Resident's permit.
Do senior citizens and disabled drivers have to pay the full Permit fee?
Special concessions will be made for Senior Citizens (in receipt of a State Pension) who own a vehicle and live within an RPZ. Similar concessions will be made available for those Senior Citizens who live in an RPZ but do not own a vehicle; this allows visitors and relatives easy access to their home. Applicants will need to provide proof that they receive a State Pension to qualify for the concession.
Special concessions will be made for Blue Badge holders who also get the mobility element of the Higher Rate Disability Living Allowance. Permits will be issued free of charge and parking bays provided where the resident has no off street parking at their residence and such provision is impracticable. The number of Disabled Bays provided will not exceed 6% of the total number of parking spaces available. They will be issued on a first come first served basis.
Universal Service Permits (Tradesmen) - Vehicles will be permitted to wait within a Zone for the purposes of loading /unloading goods. Trades people, i.e. builders, plumbers etc working at a property within a zone will require to purchase a 'Universal Service Permit' at a cost equal to that of a Standard Resident's Permit. One permit per vehicle would be required and would be valid for all Residents Parking Zones within Staffordshire. No more than two such vehicles would be permitted at each property at any one time.
Universal Service Permits (Healthcare Visitors) - 'Universal Service Permits' may, upon application, be issued free of charge to all BMA recognised doctors, midwives, visiting nurses and genuine carers (in the latter case each application must be supported by a letter from the care organisation or, in the case of a private carer (relative etc.) confirmation from the resident's GP that he/she is in need of regular, permanent care within their home. The permits may only be used whilst on official business only.
What if I have a hire or courtesy car?
If these replace an existing permit holder's vehicle a Visitor Permit will be issued free of charge effective for a period not exceeding 18 days. Proof of hire or loan of Courtesy car will be required upon application. No more than two such permits will be issued within a 12 month period.
Where these vehicles are an addition to the Permit Holder's vehicle a 2nd Permit or standard Visitors Permit may be issued if circumstances allow.
I live in a flat, can I have a Parking Permit?
Multi-occupancy properties without off-street parking i.e. Flats, Student lets etc) may be issued with one permit per 5 or less occupants up to a maximum of three Permits.
What if I change my address?
If a permit holder moves to a new address within a different parking zone permits are not transferable, application for a new Standard Permit will need to be made to the local District/Borough Council.
If a permit holder moves to a new address within the same parking zone a replacement permit will not be required. The permit holder will need to provide confirmation of the new address to the local District/Borough Council.
Do permits have to be renewed?
Yes, on an annual basis. The responsibility for renewing a permit rests with the individual permit holder. However, issuing authorities may endeavour to send reminders advising of the level of charges and methods of payment prior to the expiry of the previous permit.
What size is a parking bay?
Parking bays will generally be 2.4m wide with an absolute minimum of 1.8m where road width is limited.
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