Parking suspension
An application can be made to have a parking space or parking place (i.e. a group of parking spaces) reserved for a particular purpose, thereby temporarily suspending the use of the bay(s) by any other motorist for the duration of the suspension. A parking suspension cannot be used for preferential or convenience parking.
Applications for any parking suspension must be made at least 10 working days prior to the date you need the suspension to start. A reasonable notice period is required to advise other road users and for processing the application.
Some common examples for a parking suspension request are:
- statutory utilities (such as gas, water or electricity)
- highway improvements
- building works
- local events
- domestic removals
- placement of skips (visit our skip licence page for licence requirements)
- tree maintenance
- filming (visit our filming in Southend page for more information)
All applications must comply with our parking suspension terms and conditions. Please note exemptions apply, details of these can be found on our parking exemptions page.
The current charges for the parking suspension of a parking bay (approx. 6m) are:
| Charge type | On street | Car parks (including VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| admin fee (for all applications) | £36.50 | £36.50 |
| per day | £36.50 | £24.50 |
| per week (7 calendar days) | £242 | £145.50 |
Please do not make any payment until your application has been authorised by the Council. Once it is authorised, we will contact you to let you know and we will then arrange with you to make the payment.
Use our online form to apply for a parking suspension.
Parking dispensation
An application can be made for a parking dispensation to enable parking at a specific location where there are existing parking controls. This provides a temporary exemption to the restrictions in place.
A parking dispensation is not valid for use in the following circumstances:
- dropped kerbs used for access to premises or by pedestrians
- locations with a loading restriction, indicated by kerb markings
- locations within 20m of a junction
- locations where parking will cause obstruction to pedestrians
- locations where parking would cause traffic congestion/safety concerns
- specific permit bays - such as disabled parking bays, taxi ranks or bus stops
Every application will be considered on its merits. Dispensations will only be granted where there is no suitable alternative parking available for the reasons set out in the application. It must be noted that the specific parking space requested for the dispensation cannot be guaranteed.
Tradespersons working for clients within a parking scheme area could request visitor voucher from the client (resident) instead of a parking dispensation. This would then allow them to be able to park in a resident permit or shared use bays in that area.
An application for a dispensation is vehicle-specific and is not transferrable. Refunds do not apply
Applications must be made at least 5 working days prior to the date you require the dispensation.
All applications for a parking dispensation must comply with our terms and conditions.
Parking dispensation costs (for each vehicle) are:
- per day - £15
- per week (7 calendar days) - £60.50
Please do not make any payment until your application has been authorised by the Council. Once it is authorised, we will contact you to let you know and we will then arrange with you to make the payment.
Use our online form to apply for a parking dispensation.