Resolved –

Council notes that:

• Applications for residential parking permits have been online for a number of years without issue, similar to the government’s provision of vehicle tax.
• More and more local authorities have moved to or are moving to virtual permits.
• Virtual permits provide a number of benefits over traditional paper permits:
  • Reduced penalty charge notices issued for failure to display permit, as residents no longer have to remember to display their permit
  • No charges for replacing lost or damaged permits
  • No forged permits
  • Reduced use of paper
  • More effective enforcement as number plates can be scanned by mobile enforcement to identify streets with larger numbers of non-permit cars
  • Reminders will be sent prior to the expiry of all permits – a feature which has long been requested by residents.
• As with the online application process, residents with no internet access will be able to ring Parking Services to apply for a permit, update their details, add on visitors or get additional support. The use of virtual permits should represent no barrier for residents without access to the internet.

This Council resolves to:

• Continue the planned introduction of virtual permits.

·         Ensure local councillors are briefed on the changes ahead of the roll-out, and residents are provided with all the necessary information and support to make the transition to virtual permits as easy as possible.

ACTION:       Strategic Director Place