Resident Parking Permit FAQs

I would like to apply for a refund?

Refund requests must be made by completing application form 2 and posted to the Westminster Parking Permits address.

We will issue a refund if:

• Your application is unsuccessful and you have had no permit issued. Administration fees do not apply.
• You were issued with an interim permit which you no longer require and have provided all the documents required for full annual permit (this includes your eco vehicle proof where applicable). A  £10 administration fee applies.

• You were issued with an annual permit which you no longer require because you have moved out of Westminster or sold the vehicle. A £10 administration fee applies.

Refunds are sent by bank transfer to the account details of the permit holder.

We will only issue a refund when the permit is returned to us.

Refund requests can be only be handled by post

For a change of permit to a sole eco vehicle from a petrol/diesel vehicle we will refund you for unused time from the  date of change, once the proof of eco vehicle status and all other proofs have been shown to us.

We will issue a refund for unused time only, which is calculated from the date the permit is received back at our offices. The £10 refund administration fee will be deducted in this calculation.

If you fail to submit the relevant proof documents or submit false documents you will not be entitled to a refund.

I have changed my address since my last application.

If you have changed your address since your last application then you need to complete a permit change. For more information on permit changes

You will need to return your current permit to us by post before we can dispatch your changed permit

How do I upload my documents?

You will need a scanner, camera or camera phone. You can  scan or take photos of your proof documents. The photos must clearly display all your information and be at least 2 megapixles.

You then need to save the documents onto your computer before you upload.

For more information on help with uploading documents click here.

If you are having trouble uploading your proof documents or do not have access to a scanner or camera you can apply online at a Westminster library which has an online assisted self serve option. Click here for a list of participating libraries.

Will I receive an instant permit?

You will receive instant cover if you apply for a new permit or a change online, this cover will apply for 14 days while your application is process via the back office.

If you apply for a renewal you will not receive an instant permit. You will receive your renewal permit by post upon completion of your application form and receipt of any relevant proof documents. You will not receive instant cover as you are required to renew your permit before it expires.

Postal application will not receive an instant permit, the permit will be dispatched within seven days. 

I would like to apply for a resident permit for a foreign registered vehicle?

We have special rules for vehicles registered abroad. First time applications must be made by post.

The vehicle must be kept in Westminster, which must be the main address. We will issue a permit providing one-month temporary cover to enable the applicant to start registering the vehicle. During the temporary cover period (1st month), the applicant must be able to provide evidence that the vehicle registration process has been commenced otherwise extensions to their permit will not be allowed.

For further information please contact us on 020 7823 4567.

Renewals can be made online.

Do I qualify for an eco permit?

You may qualify for a 100% discount on the permit charge if your vehicle is classified within the following eco groups:

Electric - solely powered by electricity when in normal use and produces no emissions.

Gas - gaseous fuels such as LPG, CNG and/or hydrogen.

Hybrid - a parallel system in which a petrol, diesel or gas engine provides the main power to the vehicle with an electric motor assisting when needed. Examples of hybrid vehicles are the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight or Honda IMA.

Fuel Cell - a static device that converts the chemical energy in a natural gas into electricity and hot water through an electrochemical process.

If you are applying for a first time eco permit you must be able to prove that your vehicle qualifies as an eco vehicle. Please see the ‘Proof of Eco Qualification’ section.

If you have an eco vehicle you can apply online, by post or at a your one stop express self service machine.  

More information on Eco Permits

What are the differences for motorcycle permits?

The resident’s permit scheme differs slightly for motorcycles. The main differences to the standard scheme for cars are as follows:

The charge for a residents permit for a motorcycle only is £50 per annum regardless of engine size.

Resident’s permits for motorcycles are ‘virtual’ electronic permits administered through the City Council’s Pay by Phone scheme rather than physical, paper permits that need to be displayed on the vehicle.

As well as allowing the motorcycle to park in residents’ bays in the permit holder’s zone of residence, a resident’s permit for a motorcycle also allows the vehicle to be parked in any motorcycle bay throughout the borough without further payment.

A motorcycle can be added to an existing permit for a car, although this would incur a standard £10 administration fee –  the customer will need to complete application form 2

Standard Motorcycle permits can now be processed online

More information on Motorcycle Permits

My permit is lost, stolen or damaged?

For all lost stolen or damage permits you must complete application pack 2

If your permit has been stolen you must provide us with the crime reference number that you will be given when you report the theft to the police, if you are unable to provide the information a replacement permit fee will be incurred.

Please note: We refer all replacement and reported stolen permits to our permit investigators in accordance with our commitment to prevent fraud or misuse

How do I add a second vehicle to my permit?

You must download and complete application form 2

You can only apply by Post. This cannot be done online or at a your one stop express machine.

How can I pay by cash or cheque?

You can send a cheque by post with a completed an application and any relevant proof documents to Parking Administration, PO Box 5744, Dingwall, IV15 9WW.

From 1st November 2011 cash and cheque payments can be made at any Westminster Post Office however there are restrictions, please call 020 7823 4567 and speak to an advisor. You must submit a completed application and relevant proof document. You will not receive an instant permit – your application will be processed within 7 days.

What payment types are accepted?

You can make payment online or at a your one stop express self service machine using the following debit/credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro or Delta

You can pay by post using: Cheque, postal order or debit/credit card

Chauffeur vehicles 

If you are a resident, own a vehicle and employ a professional chauffeur you must apply in your name and provide the following proof documents:

• A certificate of motor insurance showing the chauffeur as the named driver and the address at which the vehicle is kept in Westminster.

• A vehicle registration document showing you as the keeper at the Westminster address.

• Your chauffeur’s full driving licence and two recent payslips or contract of employment

If you are applying for the permit online you should upload all these documents under the vehicle proof section.

How do I display my permit?

This should be clearly displayed in the vehicle windscreen. An interim permit and temporary permit must be displayed in the same way.

How do I reprint an interim permit?

If you have applied online or at a your one stop express self service machine you will receive a copy of the interim permit via email. You can reprint this if your interim permit is lost or damaged.

How long before I receive my full permit?

If you have submitted all the required proof documents you will receive a full permit within seven days.

If you have submitted the minimum proofs you will receive a one month temporary permit within seven days, you will then need to submit the remaining proof documents within one month to receive your full permit.

If you do not receive your permit within seven days call 020 7823 4567

I don't have an email account?

You will need an email account to apply for a permit online. Alternatively you will need to complete application form 1 and apply by post.

My postcode is not recognised?

You will need to complete an application form and apply by post. This is because your postcode is not in our database. This may mean that you do not live in a controlled parking zone or your address is new.

We will update our database so that you can apply online in the future.  

My postcode is incorrect (renewals only)?

The postcode that appears on the screen is the postcode which was supplied to us the previous time that you applied for a permit. If the postcode is incorrect (e.g. one of the digits is wrong) then please contact us with the correct details. It will take us approximately one working day to update the system and you can then proceed with your online application.

My postcode is correct but my address does not appear on the drop down list?

Occasionally the database we use to select your address may not be completely up to date or may hold slightly different information from other databases. You can type in your correct address which will over ride the drop down list. You can not amend the post code.

How will you use my contact details?

We will use your contact details when appropriate to inform you of a relevant suspension in your street. You may not park in suspended parking bays as this will result in a parking ticket being issued and your vehicle may be relocated. We normally place signs on street to warn about suspensions but in emergencies this may not be possible.

How will you use my contact details? - keeping me up to date.

If you tick the consent box on the application we will use your contact details to update you of developments within parking services.

Where is the pin number?

Your PIN number is contained in your renewal letter which we send to you by post.

I don't have a pin number/renewal letter?

It is possible that you have not received your renewal letter. Renewal letters are normally issued approximately 6 weeks prior to the expiry of your permit.If you have not received a renewal letter please contact us on 020 7823 4567 and request that a new PIN is sent to you. 

Is the PIN unique to my application?

The PIN number is unique to each application and is linked to the Vehicle Registration Mark that was given at the previous application.

My vehicle registration number is correct but the vehicle details are incorrect?

The vehicle details that appear on the screen are the details which were supplied to us the previous time that you applied for a permit. Please please contact us to update our records. It will take us approximately 1 working day to update the system and you can then proceed with your online application.

I have changed my vehicle since my last application?

If you have changed your vehicle since your last application then you must complete a permit change application. More information on permit changes

You will need to return your current permit to us by post before we can dispatch your changed permit

How will my permit be dispatched to me?

Your permit will be dispatched by 1st class post.

What if my permit has not arrived?

If your permit has not arrived with 14 days please contact 0207 823 4567

Verification check.

We will validate your name and address against our council tax database. If you a not on the council tax register you will be required to submit proof of residency.

Why has my application been declined?

There are several possible reasons why we have not been able to process your application online. This does not mean you can not apply by post

The following details the main reasons why the majority of applications fail:

• You do not live within a controlled parking zone in Westminster
• You have not submitted to correct proof documents
• Your payment has declined