• Parking permits are moving online from 24 May.
• Permits charges, and some pay and display charges, will increase in line with inflation from 10 May.

From 24 May anyone renewing an existing permit or applying for a new permit to park in a controlled parking zone (CPZ) in the Royal Borough of Greenwich will be able to do so conveniently online at a time that suits them. Waiting for paper permits will be a thing of the past as the new self-service system will instantly issue a virtual permit – which can’t be lost or stolen.  

All applicants will need to do is create an account the first time that they use the service, upload their documents (dependent on the type of permit they’re applying for) and have a credit or debit card ready for payment. 

Existing paper permits can still be used until they expire and then the owner will need to apply for a virtual permit. Paper permits can still be transferred to a new vehicle, replaced if lost, stolen or damaged and refunded if no longer needed. Carers’ permits will still be paper based but users will need to apply online. 

From 10 May 2021 charges for parking permits, and some on and off-street pay and display charges, will be increasing by 7 per cent across the borough, in line with inflation.  

Cllr Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, said: 

“Our new virtual parking permit system will make it quick and easy for residents to manage their permits at any time of the day, or week, using their computer, tablet or smart phone. There’ll be no more waiting for permits to arrive in the post, displaying them in windscreens or losing them.” 

“Royal Greenwich hasn’t raised its parking charges since 2018 - this increase in line with inflation will help us to meet our increased operational costs, bring us level with neighbouring boroughs and still represents good value for money. Any surplus that’s raised from the increase will contribute to subsidising Freedom Passes for our older and disabled residents so they can travel on public transport for free.” 

The price increase applies to resident and business parking permits for controlled parking zones, and some pay and display machines, at on-street parking locations and council-run car parks. 

The average cost of a resident permit is £81 however, permits for fully electric cars are discounted to a flat charge of £25. 

Permits for carers and Blue Badge holders remain free of charge.