Exemptions

Not all drivers have to pay to exit the Durham Road User Charge Zone during its hours of operation. There are a range of exemptions available to certain categories of drivers or vehicles.

Standard Exemptions

These vehicles are automatically exempt:

• Any vehicle inserting a valid exemption permit in the payment machine at the exit of the Durham Road User Charge Zone.
• Any moped or motorcycle.
• Any powered wheelchair or scooter used by a disabled person.
• Any authorised security vehicle issued with a transponder by the Parking Shop.
• The Cathedral Bus.

These vehicles are exempt but the driver must contact the Parking Shop via the intercom located adjacent to the payment machine at the exit of the Durham Road User Charge Zone to request the bollard be lowered remotely:

• Any vehicle being used for the purpose of delivering or collecting postal packets in the service of a universal service provider
• Any police, fire brigade or ambulance vehicle on operational duties
• Any liveried vehicle being used in connection within the laying, erection, alteration or maintenance in land within or accessible from the Durham Road User Charge Zone of any sewer, main, pipe or apparatus for the supply of gas, water, electricity or any telecommunication apparatus
• Any liveried vehicle being used for the maintenance, improvement or reconstruction of roads within or accessible from the Durham Road User Charge Zone

Special Exemptions

These vehicles are exempt but the driver must pre-book their exemption with the Parking Shop on each occasion the exemption is required:

• Any disabled persons vehicle, which lawfully displays a blue badge.
• Any authorised vehicle requiring access to the Cathedral for special events (funerals, religious services, etc.).
• Any authorised vehicle requiring access to premises of a resident in connection with a wedding or funeral.

Exemption Permits

Permanent resident and occupiers of establishments accessible from the Durham Road User Charge Zone may apply to the Parking Shop for:

• An annual exemption permit for vehicle(s) with available off street parking place(s).
• A limited daily exemption permits for their visitors' vehicle(s).