Controlled Parking Areas (CPAs)

Who can have a permit

Permits are for residents only. They are not vehicle specific and can be transferred between vehicles. 

Permits will not be issued for passenger vehicles weighing over 7.5 tonnes or those longer than six metres. 

How many permits you can have

Households can have a maximum of three permits.

Properties which have multiple households in, such as a house divided into flats, will be treated as one residence and will only be able to apply for three permits unless it is registered with us as separate flats. In this case each flat will be entitled to one permit.

A permit can be issued for any period of time up to 12 months. However, a minimum charge of three, six, nine or 12 months will be charged - there are no refunds if you do not use it full time.

Where you can use the permit

The permit allows residents to park in permit holder areas in the CPA.

Suspensions for weddings and funerals

You can apply to have permit holder only regulations suspended during weddings and funerals. You must apply in advance. See parking bay suspension section.

Apply for a resident's permit

Evidence needed

Proof of residency:

• driving licence (renewals only)
• mortgage agreement
• rent book
• council tax document (dated within 12 months of application)
• utility bill (dated within three months of application)
• tenancy agreement

If a rolling tenancy agreement is provided as proof of residency, a supporting letter from the landlord or their agent must be provided confirming that:

• the agreement has not expired
• the landlord will return the permit(s) if the tenant stops living at the property

Who can apply

Residents who live in the CPA.

Households can purchase a maximum of six books every 12 weeks. Books contain fifteen three-hour scratchcards.

Where and when you can use scratchcards

The type of scratchcard you get in a book depends on which area you are in:

• 15 x three hour scratchcards (Framwellgate Moor and North End)
• five x one day scratchcards (Chester-le-Street, Bishop Auckland and Gilesgate/St Giles Close)

The scratchcard allows visitors to park in permit holder areas. Three of the three-hour scratchcards can be used for a full day's parking (the tenth hour is free). There is no limit on the number of scratchcards that can be used to allow a visitor to stay all day or for a number of days.

Hotels and guesthouses may apply for up to four books of resident visitor scratchcards per month.

Rules around buying them

• a maximum of six books may be bought per household every 12 weeks
• temporary residents may obtain up to 12 weeks' worth of scratchcards at a time depending on length of tenancy
• you cannot purchase new books until you have used up your current allocation
• if you don't want to buy your full allocation of 12 weeks in one go, you can buy them in blocks of four weeks

Lost or stolen permits will be cancelled and replacements charged at £10 per permit. 

Apply for a visitor's permit (scratchcard)

Evidence needed

Proof of residency:

• a driving licence (renewals only)
• rent book
• council tax document (dated within 12 months of application)
• utility bill (dated within 3 months of application)
• signed tenancy agreement

Where and when you can use a carer's permit

Permits for one, three, six or 12 month periods are available. The permit allows carers to park in permit holder areas.

The resident should keep the permit and it should be displayed in the carer's vehicle when required. Carers' permits may only be given to those calling at the permit holder's address. It is the resident's responsibility to ensure that their permit is returned to them when the carer leaves. 

Who can apply for a carer's permit

You are eligible for a carer's permit if you are:

• registered blind
• receiving Higher Rate Mobility, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or War Pensions Mobility Supplement
• a permanent user of a wheelchair
• aged 85 or over who have a severe walking difficulty
• suffering from dementia, a terminal illness, certain neurological disorders which developed after 65 and affect mobility or require help from another person, for example a stroke, Parkinson's Disease, Motor Neurone Disease
• under two but requiring bulky medical equipment to be carried at all times

Apply for a carer's permit

Evidence needed

Proof of residence:

• driving licence (renewals only)
• rent book
• utility bill (dated within three months of application)
• council tax document (dated within 12 months of application)
• signed tenancy agreement

Proof of eligibility:

• confirmation from our Adult Sensory Support Team that the applicant is registered blind
• a letter confirming applicant receives War Pensions Mobility Supplement
• confirmation from a local centre that the applicant is a permanent user of a wheelchair
• proof of age if aged 85 or over and have a severe walking difficulty
• certification from medical authority that the applicant suffers from dementia, a terminal illness or a neurological disorder 
• proof the applicant is a parent/guardian of a child under two that requires bulky medical equipment to be carried at all times
• confirmation from the Department for Works and Pensions that the applicant receives Disability Living Allowance (including Mobility Component Higher Rate or Care Component) or Attendance Allowance

Who can apply for a permit

The permit is for use by one business vehicle only and has the vehicle registration number printed on it. Permits will not be issued for passenger vehicles weighing over 7.5 tonnes or those longer than six metres. The permit can be transferred to a new registered applicant on return of the permit at a £10 re-issue charge.

Where you can use the permit

The permit allows parking in pay and display bays and permit holder areas within the CPA. 

Apply for a business permit

Evidence needed

Proof of business address must be a business rates bill (dated within 12 months of application) and one of the following:

• mortgage agreement or signed lease agreement
• utility bill (dated within three months of application)

Proof of vehicle ownership: 

• vehicle registration document
• current hire/lease agreement
• valid certificate of insurance with applicant as named driver
• authorised bill of sale/invoice (dated within three months of application)

Blue Badge holders can park in permit holder areas without charge or time limit.

The permits are for use in any of the building contractor's vehicles. Permits cannot be used in vehicles weighing over 7.5 tonnes or those longer than six metres.

Where and when you can use a permit

The permit allows builders to park in permit holder areas. A maximum of two permits will be issued for a residential property for a maximum of one month in any twelve month period. An extension may be offered where the building project is subject to planning permission. 

Permit holder suspensions

You can apply to have permit holder only regulations suspended during building, demolition and utilities work. You must apply in advance. See parking bay suspension section.

Apply for a construction permit

Evidence needed

No evidence is needed to apply for a construction permit. 

When picking up or dropping off you must stay with your vehicle at all times unless any of your passengers need help getting in or out of your vehicle.

Loading and unloading is considered to be taking place where items are being taken to and from a vehicle.

This does not cover packing, unpacking, assembly, stopping to have a conversation or to go to the toilet. 

As soon as the last item is loaded or unloaded, the vehicle must be moved or a valid permit displayed. 

Permit suspensions for removals and deliveries

You can apply to have permit holder only regulations suspended during removals and deliveries. You must apply in advance.