Durham City Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ)

Who can have a permit

Permits are for residents only and have the vehicle registration number printed on them. You can not transfer between vehicles, and need to get a replacement permit if you get a new vehicle. The vehicle must be registered in the name of the person applying for the permit.

Permits will not be issued for passenger vehicles weighing over 7.5 tonnes or those longer than six metres.

How many permits you can have

Households can have a maximum of two permits. Both vehicles can be applied for on the same application. 

If you have off street parking, the number of permits will be reduced by the number of places available. This off street parking may not be attached to the property and may be in the form of detached garages or parking spaces.

Properties which are multiple occupancy, such as a house sub-divided into flats, will be treated as one residence and will be eligible to apply for two permits unless it is split into several discrete flats and is registered with us as such. In this case, each flat will be entitled to one permit.

Where you can use the permit

The permit allows you to park in both permit holder only areas and pay and display bays. They can only be used in the zone in which your property is located.

Suspensions for weddings and funerals

You can apply to have permit holder only regulations suspended during weddings and funerals. However, you must apply in advance.

Apply for a resident's permit

New and renewal applications made by permanent residents can be made by telephone, in person, by post or by email. If applying or renewing in person, you will need to provide proof of residency. New and renewal applications made by temporary residents can be made in person, by post or by email, providing a copy of their signed tenancy agreement.

Evidence needed

Proof of residence (if applicable):

• driving licence (not on first application)
• rent book
• council tax document (dated within 12 months of application)
• utility bill (internet copy accepted where address is shown) (dated within three months of application)
• signed tenancy agreement

If a rolling tenancy agreement is used, a supporting letter from the landlord or their agent must be provided confirming that:

• the agreement has not expired
• the landlord will retrieve and return the permit(s) to the Parking Shop should the tenant stop living at the property.

Households can purchase a maximum of six books every three months. Two types of scratchcard books are available:

• 15 three-hour scratchcards
• five one-day scratchcards.

Where and when you can use scratchcards

The scratchcard allows visitors to park in both permit holder only areas and pay and display bays. Three of the three-hour scratchcards can be used for a full day's parking (the tenth hour is free). There is no limit on the number of scratchcards that can be used to allow a visitor to stay all day or for a number of days.

Hotels and guesthouses may apply for up to 12 books of resident visitor scratchcards every three months.

Residents cannot purchase new books of scratchcards until they have used up their current allocation. An allocation of six books per resident is permitted within an 84-day period. If a resident chooses not to purchase their allocation of six books in one go, then the following conditions apply:

Apply for a visitor's permit (scratchcard)

New and renewal applications made by permanent residents can be made either by telephone, in person, by post or by email. If applying/renewing in person, the resident will need to provide proof of residency. New and renewal applications made by temporary residents can be made in person, by post or by email, providing a copy of their signed tenancy agreement.

Evidence needed

Proof of residence:

• driving licence (not on first application)
• rent book
• council tax document (dated within 12 months of application)
• utility bill (internet copy accepted where address is shown) (dated within three months of application)
• signed tenancy agreement

When a rolling tenancy agreement is used, a supporting letter from the landlord or their agent must be provided confirming that:

• the agreement has not expired
• the landlord will retrieve and return the permit(s) to the Parking Shop should the tenant cease to live at the property.

Proof of vehicle ownership: 

• vehicle registration document
• current hire/lease agreement
• valid certificate of insurance with applicant as named driver
• authorised bill of sale/invoice (dated within three months of application)

Where and when you can use a permit

Permits for three, six or twelve-month periods are available. The permit allows carers to park in both permit holder only areas and pay and display bays.

The resident should keep the permit and it should be displayed in the carer's vehicle when required. Carers' permits may only be given to those calling at the permit holder's address. It is the householder's responsibility to ensure that their permit is retrieved from the carer's vehicle at the end of their stay.

Carers' permits can only be used in the zone in which the resident's property is located. 

Who can apply for a permit

You are eligible for a carer's permit if you are:

• registered blind
• receiving Higher Rate Mobility or Disability Living Allowance (16 to 64 years of age) or Attendance Allowance (65 or over)
• receiving War Pensions Mobility Supplement
• a permanent user of a wheelchair
• aged 85 or over and have a severe walking difficulty
• suffering from dementia
• suffering from a terminal illness
• suffering from certain neurological disorders which developed after 65 and affect mobility or require help from another person, including strokes, Parkinson's Disease or Motor Neurone Disease
• under two but requiring bulky medical equipment to be carried at all times.

Apply for a carer's permit

Evidence needed

Proof of residence:

• driving licence (renewals only)
• rent book
• utility bill (dated within 12 months of application)
• council tax document (dated within 12 months of application)
• a signed tenancy agreement

Proof of eligibility:

• confirmation from our Adult Sensory Support Team that the applicant is registered blind
• a letter confirming applicant receives War Pensions Mobility Supplement
• confirmation from a local centre that the applicant is a permanent user of a wheelchair
• proof of age if aged 85 or over and have a severe walking difficulty
• certification from medical authority that the applicant suffers from dementia, a terminal illness or a neurological disorder 
• proof the applicant is a parent/guardian of a child under two that requires bulky medical equipment to be carried at all times
• confirmation from the Department for Works and Pensions that the applicant receives Disability Living Allowance (including Mobility Component Higher Rate or Care Component) or Attendance Allowance

Who can apply for a permit

The permit is for use by one business vehicle only and has the vehicle registration number printed on it. Permits will not be issued for passenger vehicles weighing over 7.5 tonnes or those longer than six metres. The permit can be transferred to a new registered applicant on return of the permit at a £10 re-issue charge.

Where you can use the permit

The permit allows parking in pay and display bays and permit holder only areas within the CPZ. 

Business permits can be used in any zone within the CPZ.

Apply for a business permit

Evidence needed

Proof of business address must be a business rates bill (dated within 12 months of application) and one of the following:

• mortgage agreement or signed lease agreement
• utility bill (dated within three months of application)

Proof of vehicle ownership: 

• vehicle registration document
• current hire/lease agreement
• valid certificate of insurance with applicant as named driver
• authorised bill of sale/invoice (dated within three months of application)

Blue Badge holders can park in permit holder only areas without charge or time limit.

The permits are for use in any of the building contractor's vehicles. Permits cannot be used in vehicles weighing over 7.5 tonnes or those longer than six metres.

Where and when you can use a permit

The permit allows builders to park in permit holder only areas. A maximum of two permits will be issued per residential property for a maximum period of one month in any twelve-month period. An extension may be offered where the building project is subject to planning permission. 

Construction permits can only be used in the zone in which the residential property is located.

Permit holder suspensions

You can apply to have permit holder only regulations suspended during building and demolition works, excavations in or adjacent to a parking bay and work by utility companies in or next to a parking bay. You must apply in advance.

Apply for a construction permit

Evidence needed

No evidence is needed to apply for a construction permit.

When picking up or dropping off you must stay with your vehicle at all times unless any of your passengers need help getting in or out of your vehicle.

Loading and unloading is considered to be taking place where items are being taken to and from a vehicle.

This does not cover packing, unpacking, assembly, stopping to have a conversation or to go to the toilet. 

As soon as the last item is loaded or unloaded, the vehicle must be moved or a valid permit displayed. 

Permit suspensions for removals and deliveries

You can apply to have permit holder only regulations suspended during removals and deliveries. You must apply in advance.