FAQs

1) How does a suspension affect normal parking?

A common mistunderstanding among our customers is that, if you park in a suspended bay outside of controlled hours, the suspension does not apply. A parking suspension means that normal parking provision is suspended for the entire duration indicated on the suspension sign, irrespective of the normal controlled hours operating in that location. Most suspensions only apply between 08.30 and 18.30 Monday to Friday. However, in certain circumstances it may be necessary to suspend a parking bay outside of these times, e.g. for emergency repair work, domestic removals or road resurfacing. In any case, the times and dates for which the suspension applies will be clearly stated on a yellow suspension sign and parking will be enforced accordingly.

2) How will I know of any imminent suspension?

We try to give 7 days notice of any imminent suspension by posting advance warning within the bay(s). However, the nature of some suspensions (e.g. emergency works) means this is not always possible.  

If you feel you have been unfairly issued with a PCN for parking in a suspended bay you should challenge this in writing as soon as possible. How to do this is explained on the PCN itself.

3) Someone has parked in the bay(s) I requested for suspension. What do I do?

For these cases you will need to contact the suspensions team on 020 7641 6850. You will need to make note of the VRM, make and model of the parked vehicles and street name. The information you provide will be reported to our Civil Enforcement Officers and a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will be issued to the vehicle.

When a resident permit holder parks in a suspended residents bay on day 1 or 2 of a suspension, we will issue warning notices and try to contact the resident to ask them to move their vehicle. On the 3rd day, they will be issued with a PCN.

4) Where should I park while waiting for my suspended bay to be vacated?

1. You should park as safely as possible on a yellow line.
2. Call Parking Services on 020 7823 4567 with your vehicle registration, make, model and street name.
3. Our Civel Enforcement Officers will be informed not to enforce your vehicle while you wait for the suspended bay to be vacated.

5) There are suspended bays in Westminster that are not being used for the purpose for which they were suspended.

Please contact us and give us details of the unused suspension. Our parking team will then investigate the matter.

6) Why does the City Council charge for parking suspensions?

The charge is based on the actual cost of providing the suspensions service and includes administration, placement and removal of suspension signs and the enforcement of the suspended bays.

7) What are the exceptions to the normal charges applicable for suspensions?

In certain circumstances the City Council may apply a reduced charge or no charge for the arrangement of a suspension. Reduced suspension charges are applicable for work being carried out by public utilities or members of the National Joint Utilities Group NJUG (e.g. work related to gas, electricity, water, telecommunications etc.).

No Charge suspensions are applicable in the following circumstances:

• Security suspensions on behalf of the Metropolitan Police Service
• Certain events organised by WCC registered charities
• Funerals & Weddings (official cars only) - the first three bays only are free of charge.
• Blood transfusion service vehicles

For more information on whether you may qualify for a reduced/no charge suspension please contact the Suspensions Team on 020 7641 6850.