A dispensation authorises a vehicle (or vehicles) to park in contravention of a Traffic Regulation Order. It allows parking where alternative arrangements cannot be made for the following principal reasons:
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Loading/ unloading where this activity is either normally prohibited or the permitted period is insufficient; or
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Situations where alternative arrangements would be unsatisfactory.
A dispensation does not permit general ‘parking’. It does not allow the vehicle to remain in the restricted/prohibited area once the dispensation purpose has been fulfilled. At that time the motorist is required to park elsewhere and lawfully.
Based on the above qualifications, dispensations can be issued for:
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Furniture removals;
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Building/ maintenance/ repair works where close proximity to the site is essential;
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Goods deliveries in respect of which it is reasonable to allow longer than that normally permitted by the regulations;
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The hearse and chief mourners’ vehicles at funerals;
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The bridal and attendants’ vehicles at weddings;
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Vehicles essential to filming operations;
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Other circumstances in which the Council may reasonably regard the requirement to be essential.
Dispensations will not be issued for:
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Applications where parking may adversely affect disabled/ doctors/business bays, taxi ranks, bus stops or tram movement;
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Applications where loading restrictions are in place if the dispensation is requested during the restricted period(s);
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Locations within 50 metres of a signal controlled junction, the entry/ exit pedestrian crossing marking, on a footway and/or other locations where parking may cause danger to pedestrians and road users, serious obstruction / traffic flow impediment;
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Requests where there are doubts concerning the validity of the application;
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Applications in respect of vehicles where dispensations have been issued more than twice within the four weeks before the date of the application. Officers have discretion to vary this ban if it is considered it is otherwise reasonable to approve the application.
Applications may be made in person, by post or on e-form by selecting the web link below.
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Request a Dispensation online
Applications should be received at least 3 working days before the required date to enable the Council to inspect the site if felt necessary before approval is given. However, officers have discretion to deal with more urgent applications if it is reasonable to do so.
On receipt of your application, staff will consider your request.
If you choose to submit your application online, if approved, a link will be provided to enable you to make payment with a credit or debit card. Once payment is received, the dispensation will be issued to you by e-mail or fax, depending on which option you select. Dispensations are uniquely numbered and can only be used for the location described on your application.
Except in extenuating circumstances dispensations will not be issued for continuous periods in excess of five days and will not authorise parking for more than two vehicles at any one location unless the officer is satisfied that the road width and length and precise location permit this safely.
The conditions of use are stated on the back of the dispensation and must be adhered to to avoid the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice.
An administration charge of £10.00 per vehicle per dispensation is to be made except in respect of funerals for which no charges are made. There is no discount for multiple days, weeks or months or for periods of less than a day.