Parking permits are used to exclude non-resident parking from a street and relieve high levels of parking demand. Only vehicles with a valid parking permit or visitor voucher can park within a Permit Parking Area (PPA) during the times that it is in force – permits and vouchers may be provided on paper to display in the windscreen, or as digital ones recorded on the Council’s computer system.

Stevenage’s first permit parking area was introduced in Burymead in August 2018, with a group of streets in the Old Town following in late 2020.

The days and times of each area vary based on local need, but other rules are generally the same.

For general enquiries regarding parking permits please contact parking.permits@stevenage.gov.uk and a member of the parking team will reply as soon as operationally possible.

Who can park in a permit area?

During the hours of operation, no motor vehicle may be parked within the Permit Parking Area (PPA) unless it:

• displays a Resident Parking Permit, Caring Visitor Parking Permit, or Resident’s Visitor Parking Voucher that is valid on that day; or
• displays a Council Parking Permit while being used in the service of the Borough Council; or
• is actively loading or unloading goods to or from a property within the street; or
• is a motorcycle, moped or mobility scooter; or
• is subject to another required exemption (vehicles undertaking highway works, statutory undertakers for utilities, the Royal Mail, Blue Badge holders for up to three hours, etc.).

Outside the hours of operation these restrictions do not apply.

Do permit holders have to follow other parking rules within the permit area?

Yes.

All normal parking rules still apply. Having a permit doesn’t mean you can park your car on yellow lines, blocking dropped kerbs or in the middle of the road.

Where there are marked bays within the permit area read the signs carefully and follow them as you would anywhere else.

What if I park without a permit, or park with a permit where I’m not allowed such as on yellow lines?

Any vehicle parked in contravention of these terms will be liable to receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), also known as a parking ticket. The PPA is patrolled daily by the Council’s Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) to ensure compliance.

How can I renew my permit?

When renewing your permit, you will need to submit up-to-date copies of the same information as required upon first application. This ensures that there is a robust audit trail and that permits are only issued to individuals, and for vehicles that are eligible. Renewal reminders will be issued two to four weeks before permits expire.

What if I lose my permit?

If your permit is lost, stolen, damaged, undelivered or you require a replacement permit for other reasons you must apply using a new application form and select "To replace a lost/damaged permit". This application will be subject to a £10 administrative fee.

Can I get a refund if I no longer need my permit?

If you no longer need a parking permit, we can refund any remaining complete months from the date it is received by us until the permit expires, subject to a £10 administration fee. Refunds will not be issued for returned visitor vouchers or caring visitor parking permits.

What if I need carers to help me?

If you need carers to help you, you’re likely to be eligible for a free Caring Visitor Permit so that essential health or social care visitors can supply the help you need. See the Caring Visitor Parking Permits page for more information.

What if non-residents try to get a permit / vouchers?

The system is set up to only let you get a permit / vouchers if you live at an eligible address. Applications are checked as soon as possible after they’re made to ensure that the applicant lives there and vehicles belong to that address. If it looks like someone has just made a mistake, they get the chance to correct it, but fraudulent applications will be refused and any permits/vouchers so obtained will be immediately cancelled.

Stevenage Borough Council is required by law to protect the public funds it administers, and takes fraud seriously. It may share information provided to it with other bodies responsible for auditing, or administering public funds, or where undertaking a public function, in order to prevent and detect fraud. Further information can be found on our National Fraud Initiative webpage.