Parking Dispensations in London: How to Get Permits for Yellow Lines
Many local councils offer parking dispensations that allow exemptions from normal parking restrictions.
What are Parking Dispensations?
A parking dispensation is a permit that provides an exemption to park on single or double yellow lines during restricted hours. This allows your vehicle to be parked close to a specific location when needed for purposes like:
- Removals/moving home
- Construction or building works
- Utility works (gas, water, electricity)
- Placing a skip on the street
- Filming/photography
- Deliveries or loading/unloading
Do I Need A Parking Permit Or Dispensation For My Move?
- If you are using a large removal truck or van that will take up multiple parking spaces, you should consider applying for a parking suspension. This reserves the parking bays exclusively for your removal vehicles.
- If you only need to park on single or double yellow lines temporarily, a parking permit may suffice. This allows exemption from the parking restrictions for a set period.
- London boroughs have different processes and fees for suspensions vs dispensations, so you need to check the specific requirements for the borough where your removal is taking place.
- In some cases, if your move is likely to be fast (loading is less than 30 mins) it might be worth simply risking getting a parking fine, as it could be cheaper and less difficult than obtaining a parking dispensation!
- Typical advance notice required is 3-5 working days for a suspension and 1-3 working days for a dispensation.
- Costs can range from £20-£300 per day depending on the borough and number of bays/spaces needed.
The search results strongly recommend arranging the necessary parking suspension or dispensation well in advance of your removal date to avoid fines or having no legal parking available for the removal vehicles. Your removal company may be able to assist with making the application and arrangements.So in summary, unless you have private off-street parking at both properties, you will almost certainly need to obtain official permission for parking the removal truck(s) by applying for either a suspension or dispensation with the relevant London borough council
Applying for a Dispensation For Your London Removal
To get a parking dispensation from your local council in London, you typically need to apply online or by phone at least 1-3 working days in advance. Be prepared to provide:
- The street name/location of requested parking
- Date and times the dispensation is needed
- Description of exactly where you need to park
- Vehicle registration numbers
- Payment by debit/credit card
Costs vary by borough but are commonly £20-£30 per vehicle per day or £50-£80 per week.
Parking Suspensions For Looding During Removals
Some councils also offer parking suspensions, temporarily lifting restrictions in controlled bays. This requires applying for the specific bay(s) to be suspended, usually 3+ days in advance. Costs are similar to dispensations.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Parking Dispensation For My Removal?
For parking dispensations (to park on yellow lines), generally applications should be submitted at least one working day before the required start date.
For parking bay suspensions:
- Camden Council requires applying 5 clear working days before the suspension start date, not counting the day of submission.
- Wandsworth Council requires applying 5 clear working days before, with the application received by 3pm on the day of submission.
- Bexley Council requires applying at least 3 working days before the required start date.
So in general, you need to apply for a parking dispensation around 1-3 working days in advance, while parking bay suspensions require approximately 3-5 working days' notice to the council.The search results highlight that councils need this advance notice to process the application, make arrangements for signage to be placed at the location, and ensure the dispensation/suspension does not conflict with other reservations or works. Applying too late risks having the application rejected.
Removal Parking Dispensation Links By Borough
Here are some parking dispensation links for popular London boroughs:
