Move to virtual parking permits
Virtual parking permits are now available for residents in Durham City who live within the Controlled
Parking Zone (CPZ).
Durham County Council is moving to an electronic system to allow users to apply for, purchase and
manage their parking permit online. This will take away the need to display a paper permit in each
vehicle in the zone, with permit details being held electronically and shared with civil enforcement
officers patrolling the permit areas.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said:
“The move to virtual parking permits will provide a much more efficient experience for residents. It
takes away their need to visit The Parking Shop to obtain a permit and allows them to manage it
from the comfort of their own home.
“The electronic system will reduce the number of permits being lost and lead to fewer Penalty
Charge Notices being issued to residents who have forgotten to display, or incorrectly displayed,
their permits.
“This will also make the enforcement of permit areas more efficient as it will be easier for officers to
identify any vehicles parked without a valid permit, or vehicles using a cancelled parking permit.”
Residents will receive information about how to purchase their next permit when their current
permit is due for renewal.
Anyone who does not have internet access can still choose to request a paper application form, with
a virtual permit issued upon successful application.
Virtual parking vouchers will also be used instead of paper scratch cards for visitors, which can be
obtained online in less than one minute either in advance or when the visitor arrives.
Households can choose to purchase paper scratch cards instead of virtual vouchers should they
prefer. However, it is recommended to use the virtual vouchers which can be easily managed via the
resident’s mobile-friendly online account.
More information can also be found by visiting the council’s website at www.durham.gov.uk/parking
and clicking on Controlled Parking Zones and areas.
