London Borough of Merton
Terms and Conditions for the purchase and use of a Business Permit
1. Permit Information
Definition of a business permit
A business permit is intended for use by the permit holder to enable them to park in permit bays during the restricted period and have access for regular use to undertake business related journeys.
Who can apply?
- Businesses, via a company secretary or director of the business who can provide evidence of the business within a controlled parking zone (CPZ) as set out in section 2 below.
- Businesses who own a passenger or goods carrying vehicle (or have access to a vehicle via their company) that does not exceed 5.25 metres in overall length or 2.28 metres in height.
- Businesses that do not have 3 or more outstanding/unpaid penalty charge notices (PCNs) against any vehicle, linked to the permit, within Merton. We define an outstanding PCN as a PCN that has progressed beyond the point where representations can be considered.
There is a limit of two permits per business due to the pressure on parking spaces within controlled parking zones. Each permit can hold 1 vehicle at a time but this vehicle may be changed as many times as needed throughout the length of the permit. Only one vehicle is 'active' (vehicle being used at any given point), for use at anyone one time, for each permit. It is the responsibility of the business to ensure the correct vehicle is 'active' when parked.
This can be changed by the business via smart phone or online. Full details will be given in the confirmation email after the permit has been purchased.
E-parking permit
Business permits purchased from the 14th January 2020 are not required to display a permit. The equipment our Civil Enforcement Officers use will provide access to your permit details for all verification purposes.
Please note that all diesel vehicles attract a diesel surcharge, in addition to the permit charge.
2. Proof of business status and what needs to be provided
Who can apply?
Applications from Businesses will only be considered if made by the company secretary or director of the business. Applications from individual employees working within the business will not be accepted.
Which organisations qualify?
Merton Council will issue business permits to organisations:
- that occupy commercial premises for their business within a CPZ,
- that own a passenger or goods carrying vehicle that does not exceed 5.25 metres in overall length or 2.28 metres in height,
- that do not have access to off street parking spaces for 2 or more vehicles,
- that do not currently have two permits issued to that business.
Proof of business address within the zone (as below for new applications – for renewals check your reminder).
- The company secretary or director must provide evidence on headed paper which confirms they are registered as a business at Companies House, VAT registered or pay business rates for the business premises within Merton.
We will ask all permit holders to resubmit proof of eligibility every 12 months, this is to ensure our records are up to date. However, random checks may be undertaken and you may be requested to present proof of eligibility within the 12 months period.
Please note that after your supporting documentation (for proof of residency and/or vehicle ownership) has been validated for the purposes of your permit application; it will be deleted in accordance with Merton's policies and data protection legislation.
3. Proof of vehicle ownership
Please provide one of the following:
- Business or staff owned vehicle: a copy of the registration document (V5C) demonstrating the vehicle is either owned by the company directly or the employee who works for the company.
- Leased vehicle: a copy of the agreement which must be with a registered organisation. The name and address must match those of the hirer as shown on the agreement. If you change or renew the lease, please change your details online immediately and provide a copy of the new agreement.
Please note that after your supporting documentation (for proof of residency and/or vehicle ownership) has been validated for the purposes of your permit application; it will be deleted in accordance with Merton's policies and data protection legislation.
4. How long can I have my permit for?
Length of permit and renewals:
- Your permit will be valid for 6 months.
- We will notify you when your permit is due to expire but it is your responsibility to renew the permit on its expiry.
5. Where can I park and use my permit?
You may park:
- In a Permit Holder Bay within the controlled parking zone, in which your business is located within. You may not use your permit to park in a permit holder bay in any other controlled zone within Merton.
- Shared Use Bay – these bays may be used by pay and display customer or as permit holder bays at any time. However, in certain areas permit holders may only use these bays at the times shown on the signs.
- Please ensure that when the vehicle is parked, it is fully contained within the parking bay.
- A business permit does not grant you a right to park outside your business or guarantee the availability of a parking space.
You may not park:
- In a Disabled Bay as these are only for the use of blue badge holders who display a valid Blue Badge.
- In Residents permit holder only bays.
Merton Council reserves the right to suspend any parking bay as required.
Please always check the signs before you park – it is your responsibility to ensure that you are parked correctly and in an appropriate bay.
6. Refunds
A refund may be due:
If you surrender or cancel a permit before it expires, or due to insufficient proof of eligibility we cancel your permit, we will calculate the refund due based on unused days remaining until the expiry date of the permit, commencing from the date that we are notified of the cancelation.
7. Prevention of Fraud
Please note the following:
- It is a criminal offence if, with intent to deceive, you knowingly make a false statement, supply false documentation or forge documents to get a business parking permit for yourself or others. Merton Council may prosecute if this is believed to be the case. A refund will not be given in such cases.
- Do not copy or laminate any permit under any circumstances, as any such copied permit will be issued a PCN(s).
We will ask all permit holders to resubmit proof of eligibility every 12 months, this is to ensure our records are up to date. However, random checks may be undertaken and you may be requested to present proof of eligibility within the 12 months period.
Your information may be shared with third parties for the purpose of preventing fraud.
If you would like more information about how we use your data, please read our Privacy Policy at https://www.merton.gov.uk/legal/privacy-and-cookies/parking-privacy-policy
8. Conditions of Use
Merton Council reserves the right to withhold or withdraw a permit if the permit holder:
- fails to comply with these terms and conditions
- fails to update information pertinent to your permit prior to its expiry, such as a change of address or vehicle etc.
- verbally or physically threatens or attacks any Civil Enforcement Officer or any other authorised Merton Council employee
- has 3 or more outstanding/unpaid PCNs within Merton. We define an outstanding PCN as a PCN that has progressed beyond the point where representations can be considered.
Failure to have a valid permit displayed, the vehicle information entered online incorrectly or inform us of a change of vehicle or address may result in a Penalty Charge Notice being issued.
9. Declaration
By applying for a business permit within Merton Council, you are as part of your application, accepting the terms and conditions set out in sections 1 – 8 of this document regarding your business permit.
10. Data Protection
Please note that the London Borough of Merton is under a duty to protect the public funds under its administration and may therefore use information you have provided for the purpose of the prevention or detection of fraud. Merton Council may also disclose any such information to appropriate agencies for this purpose.
Please note that after your supporting documentation (for proof of residency and/or vehicle ownership) has been validated for the purposes of your permit application; it will be deleted in accordance with Merton's policies and data protection legislation.