New digital resident's parking permit scheme gets go-ahead

Devon County Council's Cabinet has approved the introduction of a digitalised residents’ parking permits system which will make it easier for users to manage their permit and aims to encourage the uptake of EV and lower emission vehicles.

The new system, which was approved at Cabinet on Monday, September 26, followed a recent consultation which drew 769 responses.

The intention is to phase the new system in from the New Year – current permit holders will be invited to renew using the new system only once their current permit expires.

Currently residents in areas with residents parking schemes, such as Exeter, are required to display physical parking permits.

The physical nature of the permit requires it to be sent out by post – this means an applicant has to until the permit arrives by post before it can be used.

However, a digitalised system will enable applicants to use a permit within 24 hours after application and will additionally allow permit holders to change their vehicle details at a click of a mouse, for example if they buy a new car.

Another improvement being introduced is in the use of visitor time. Currently visitor permits are issued by day –the new system will allow permits to be issued by the hour.

This will allow a visitor staying a short time to use the correct number of hourly permits adding up to their length of stay - which means a whole day’s permit will no longer be needed for short visit.

Additionally, refunds will also now be available to digital permit holders for unused full calendar months and unused visitor permit hours if, for example, they move address and no longer need a digital permit.

And for residents concerned about permit fraud and misuse, the digital system will require any new or first application to upload supporting documents.

The new system is also designed to support DCC’s work to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

So, while all residents will pay the same tariff for their first vehicle, to discourage multiple car ownership and encourage the uptake of EV and lower emission vehicles, a differential charge, linked to emissions, will be introduced for each subsequent vehicle.

And for those who may find it difficult to manage a digital permit account for Visitor Permits, the option to have books of scratch cards will be retained. Any unused existing visitor permits still held will continue to be valid until used by the household.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management said: “We had an excellent level of response during the consultation and one concern which came up again and again related to charges for Essential Visitor Permits. 

“We have listened to those comments and that’s why the cost will be capped at £10.

“This will provide a contribution to the administration, processing, and printing of the permits.

“This new system improves enforcement, continues to ensure that the service is self-funding, makes the system more flexible for users and will help to combat congestion, reduce emissions and improve air quality by discouraging multiple car ownership and encourage the uptake of EV and lower emission vehicles.”