Resident permit scheme - changeover to virtual permits

Changeover to virtual permits

From April 2023, our resident permit scheme has become digital, or 'virtual'. This means that for all new applications, renewals, replacements and changes from this date, we have been issuing only virtual resident permits and no longer issuing physical, paper resident permits. 

The only difference this makes to you is that upon the issue of a new, renewed, or changed permit, you are no longer issued a paper resident permit to display in your vehicle.

Instead, your new permit is issued digitally, and our Marshals can distinguish whether your vehicle has a valid permit from the database held on their handheld devices. You still receive confirmation of the issue of your new permit. 

• You are still able to apply for and renew your permit in the same way as you have been
• the permit criteria and applicable proofs have not changed
• we still issue expiry and renewal reminders to you in advance of your permit’s expiry date.

Changes you might need to make to any permit details can still be made in the same way too. 

From Monday 3 June 2024 and the introduction of our resident permit emissions-based charging scheme, you are no longer able to register two vehicles on the same permit. Every vehicle will require its own permit. You can apply for up to three but additional charges apply for the second and third.   

Any valid paper permits in use are still recognised on-street and accepted up to their expiry date, so the last of the valid paper permits should expire around early May 2024, by which time all resident permits will be virtual. 

We have chosen to do this to enable us to provide better customer service, where permits are available and usable instantly. It also increases efficiencies, minimizes the potential for permit fraud, and helps reduce our carbon footprint. 

Many of our existing permit types have been virtual for some time, such as trade permits, motorcycle permits, yellow line dispensations and so on. Virtual permits are also commonplace in many other London boroughs, such as in our neighbours Brent, Camden and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. 

Virtual permits frequently asked questions

What is the change? 

From April 2023, most of the Council’s parking permit schemes have become virtual. This means that for new applications, renewals and changes from this date, we begun issuing only virtual permits and no longer issue physical, paper permits. 

What is a virtual permit? 

A virtual permit is a digital, electronic permit. Unlike with a traditional paper permit, with a virtual permit there is nothing to physically display. A Parking Marshal is able to tell which vehicles hold a valid permit via the information that is displayed on their handheld devices. 

When did the change happen? 

From Saturday 1 April 2023. 

What permit types does this affect? 

This affects most parking permit types except hospital permits and disabled badges: national blue and Westminster white. They remain paper-based permits to display.  

Why did the change happen? 

The Council chose to do this to enable us to provide a better customer service whereby permits are available and usable instantly. It also increases efficiencies, minimizes the potential for permit fraud and helps reduce our Carbon footprint. 

What difference does it make to me? 

If you apply for a new permit, renew an existing permit, change an existing permit, make a temporary change to an existing permit or amend an existing permit’s details, your new permit will be a virtual permit and not a physical, paper permit. 

Can I still have two vehicles on the one permit? 

No, not any more as this policy has subsequently been withdrawn with the introduction of the resident permit emissions-based charging scheme from Monday 3 June 2024. Each vehicle now requires its own permit. You can apply for up to 3 permits per individual. Additional charges apply for second and third permits.

Has this resulted in a change in permit prices? 

The change to virtual permits did not affect prices. However, the subsequent introduction of the resident permit emissions-based charging scheme on Monday, June 3, 2024, has changed the way we charge for resident permits. All our parking-related charges can be viewed online.

Has this necessitated any changes to the permit’s terms & conditions? 

The change to virtual permits dispensed with the need to physically display a permit in the vehicle’s windscreen. However, the subsequent introduction of the resident permit emissions-based charging scheme on Monday 3 June 2024 has meant further change to the permits' T&Cs. 

How do I know if a vehicle parked on-street is in possession of a permit? 

There is no visible indication as to whether a vehicle is in possession of a virtual permit or not. Our Marshals are able to identify non-compliant vehicles and appropriate enforcement action is taken as a result. 

How will a Marshal know which vehicles have permits? 

Our Marshals can identify which vehicles have valid permits via the information displayed on their handheld devices. The process already requires Marshals to validate enforcement against our electronic records, so the removal of the paper permits does not affect Marshals’ ability to ensure the fair use of our parking bays. 

Does this happen elsewhere? 

Virtual permits are commonplace in many other London boroughs, such as in our neighbours Brent, Camden and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Also, prior to the change many of our other permit types were already virtual, such as trades permits, motorcycle permits, single yellow line dispensations, and so on.

Do I still need to display my paper permit if I have one? 

If you are in possession of a valid permit of a type that is converting to virtual, you can continue to display your paper permit for as long as it remains valid. For those permit types remaining paper-based (disabled badges and hospital permits), these should continue to be clearly displayed at all times whilst parked. 

How does this affect parking on boundary streets where reciprocal parking arrangements exist with neighbouring boroughs? 

We operate reciprocal parking arrangements on boundary streets with our neighbours the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and the London Boroughs of Camden and Brent.

We work closely with our neighbours to ensure that Penalty Charges Notices (PCNs) are not issued to Westminster permit holders when parked in reciprocal streets. However, should you receive a PCN on a reciprocal street where your permit should allow you to park, please challenge your PCN with the relevant borough, including proof that you held a valid Westminster resident permit at that time. How to submit a challenge will be indicated on the PCN itself.