Types of Parking Permits for Removals in London

Those who know London will understand that it’s a city where cars aren’t always the top dog. A simple mishap like misjudging traffic can cost you over an hour of your day, and that’s a conservative estimate. Parking is no different, and it comes with several additional complications, which are vital to know when moving home.

Before beginning, let’s avoid penalties and fees by understanding the process. Three types of temporary parking arrangements are available to movers in London:

• Parking Dispensations
• Parking Suspensions
• Temporary Parking Permit

Each permit grants you more leeway when parking, loading, and unloading. It’s worth remembering that you may require more than one permit for your current and new addresses. This can become confusing, but we’ll walk you through the permit options. It’s also noteworthy that the Burke & Wills team will undertake this for you if you book with us.

Parking Dispensation for Set Periods

A parking dispensation will allow your removals vehicle to park for a set period at a restricted parking location, such as a single yellow line or a resident parking bay. You can also get dispensation for some red routes and red boxes. However, a parking dispensation does not guarantee a parking space.

Parking Suspension for Reserve Parking Spaces

A parking suspension allows you to reserve a parking space only for the use of your removal company and not available to others. Parking suspensions are often needed in areas with scarce parking or strict time limits, such as controlled parking zones. Yellow warning signs are usually placed approximately 48 hours before the suspension starts.

Temporary Parking Permit for Removals

It’s important to note that each permit we mention has slightly different functions, although most will cover you when parking and unloading in restricted areas. A temporary parking permit is ideal for removal jobs, but it’s worth cross-checking the suitability with the specific council with jurisdiction over your new address. They’ll guide you through the application process and highlight the correct permit for that street.

Each London borough has its own arrangements for organising parking suspensions or dispensations. For more information, you can check your local borough or council website. Links to all the London boroughs, where you can find more information on parking suspensions, dispensations and fees, are below for your convenience.

Parking Fees & Notices per London Borough

Unfortunately, there are plenty of costs to consider when moving in London, or anywhere else for that matter. We suggest creating a budget for your relocation, including parking and permit charges, to ensure you’re ready for the big day.

Parking Charges

Parking charges vary widely by each London borough, with daily rates ranging from as little as £30 to as much as £130 per day, depending on location, duration and the number of parking spaces you require. 

The most expensive boroughs for parking in London are Islington, Lambeth, Haringey, and Hackney, while Wandsworth, Ealing, Merton, and Kingston have some of the lowest parking fees in the city.

Application Processing Timings

Each borough also requires these processing times before the removal occurs:

• Parking Suspension: 10 working days.
• Parking Dispensation: 5 working days.
• Temporary Parking Permit: 7 working days.
• Renewal of existing permits: 28 days before the current permit’s expiration.

Late applications often incur additional short-notice fees, making moving more costly. Busier periods may increase processing times, so remember to submit your application before the time limit.

Prepare and Research

Fortunately, you can avoid headaches over parking and fees by letting us know the parking situation at your old and new properties. When you book your London move with us, we can incorporate this information into our quote at the survey stage.