For a number of years, applications for parking permits have been made online. Starting on Thursday 26 September, residents and businesses will be able to manage their parking permits entirely online, including visitor permits for residents living in Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) in Bedford. With the new virtual parking permits there is no need to display a physical permit. Once a permit has been applied and paid for online, it will be instantly activated, allowing it to be used immediately.
Councillor Jim Weir, Portfolio Holder for Environment at Bedford Borough Council, said; “I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our virtual parking permit system. This innovative step will make parking in Bedford’s CPZ’s even easier and more convenient for residents and businesses alike.
No more waiting for permits in the mail or worrying about scratching off the wrong bit of the visitor permit. With a few taps or clicks online, you can now manage all your CPZ parking needs, from resident permits to visitor parking, all in one place.
We’re committed to continuously improving our services, this move also reduces paper waste and I believe these virtual permits will be a welcome change for everyone who parks in the CPZ’s in Bedford.”
To apply for a virtual parking permit, simply visit the Bedford Borough Council website and create an account. Applicants can then follow the guided steps to apply for any permit they require. Get started at www.bedford.gov.uk/parking-permits. Existing permit holders will need to create a new online account.
As with all Bedford Borough Council services, anyone who is less digitally able can find support in the usual way of visiting the Bedford Borough Council Customer Service Team at The Bedford Borough Hub, 2 Horne Lane, or calling them on 01234 267422.
The Key Changes
All applicants need to register for a parking account before applying for a parking permit.
Resident parking permits
Residents living in Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) can apply online for permits for up to three vehicles every twelve months. Instead of receiving a physical permit in the post the virtual permit will activate instantly upon application approval.
On application residents will be required to upload proof of address, proof they are the registered keeper of the vehicle and provide an email address. Learn what documents are needed at www.bedford.gov.uk/resident-parking-permits.
Visitor parking permits
Residents in CPZs will no longer receive booklets of visitor permits. Instead, they can create a virtual visitor permit online whenever needed. A set number of hours are allocated to each home for visitor parking, for instance, a home in CPZ A will be allocated 350 hours per year. It will still be possible to purchase further allocations of hours if needed. Existing visitor permit booklets remain valid.
If visitor parking is required over a number of days, residents must book a separate session for each day. Residents should only select times between 9am and 6pm, from Monday to Saturday, or they will use allocated hours unnecessarily.
If a visitor stays longer than expected, residents can now easily log in to their account and create a second parking session. Previously, it would be necessary to find the most suitable permit from their book, scratch off the new times and replace the permit already on the dashboard of the vehicle.
Learn more at www.bedford.gov.uk/visitor-parking.
Season ticket holders
Season tickets are permits which allow users to park in a particular Council-owned car park. Season ticket holders with permits for specific car parks can now choose one of three registered vehicles to be live on their permit.
Business parking permits
Businesses can continue applying for 12-month permits for specific vehicles they use to visit clients within the CPZ. The Parking Team will assess applications for permits needed for other operational needs on a case-by-case basis.
On application, businesses are required to upload proof of genuine business need, proof of address, proof of vehicle ownership, and provide an email address. Find which documents are required at www.bedford.gov.uk/business-parking-permits.
Healthcare parking permits
Healthcare workers now apply for permits themselves, allowing them to park in the CPZ while attending patients. These permits are valid for two-year periods (current period ends November 31, 2024). Previously it was employers who applied for these.
On application, healthcare workers are required to upload proof of eligibility to apply, proof of employment and proof of vehicle ownership. Find which documents are required at www.bedford.gov.uk/parking-permits-healthcare-workers.
Voluntary organisation parking permits
Voluntary organisations can apply for permits to park while supporting the local community. They are valid for two-year periods (current period ends November 31, 2024).
On application the employee will be required to upload proof of funding, proof of employment and proof of vehicle ownership. Find which documents are required at www.bedford.gov.uk/parking-permits-voluntary-organisations.
Parking waivers
Tradespeople and contractors working in the CPZ can still apply for waivers. These permits allow vehicles to wait on yellow lines for up to four hours or one or more days, under specific circumstances. Find further details at www.bedford.gov.uk/parking-waivers.
