Carer permit terms and conditions

London Borough of Merton

Terms and Conditions for the purchase and use of a Carers Parking Permit

1. Permit Information

Definition of a carer parking permit

A carer parking permit is intended for use by the carers of a resident in a controlled parking zone in Merton that is either a Blue Badge Holder or has carers attend them every day. The carers permit is to enable the carers to park one vehicle they own/have access to in permit bays during the restricted period in the applicants controlled parking zone.

Who can apply?

• residents who can evidence they live within a controlled parking zone (CPZ) as set out in section 2 below and who are either:
  • a Blue Badge Holder (issued by Merton Council*) and, or
  • have carers attend the resident/applicant every day
• who has carers that own a passenger or goods carrying vehicle that does not exceed 5.25 metres in overall length or 2.28 metres in height.

*if your Blue Badge is not issued by Merton – your details must be changed on the records of the issuing authority and we may make further checks to confirm eligibility.

All carer permits will sent be to the applicants address via recorded delivery.

2. Proof of residency

As part of your application you will need upload documentation as set out in section A and or B below.

Section A (a copy of 1 of the documents below, which needs to include your name and address of the property within the relevant CPZ for which you are applying).

•  A current signed tenancy agreement (by all relevant parties to the agreement), current lease agreement, solicitor's letter confirming purchase of property, or current mortgage agreement/statement valid within the last 12 months.
• If you have not yet moved in – please provide a letter from your solicitor confirming completion date.

If you are unable to provide an example from Section A, we require two documents from Section B below:

Section B (a copy of 2 documents from the list below that include your name and address of the property within the relevant CPZ for which you are applying)

• Bank/building society statement, gas bill, electricity bill, water bill, home insurance, building insurance, Inland Revenue statements, all dated within the last 3 months.
• recent council tax bill, TV licence with your name and address matching your application details

We will ask all permit holders to resubmit proof of residency upon application/renewal to ensure our records are up to date.

Please note that after your supporting documentation (for proof of residency) 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 carers status

Please provide one of the following:

Blue Badge:

• A copy of a Merton issued blue badge that includes your name, photograph and blue badge number.
• Please note that only a current Blue Badge is acceptable.
  If the Blue Badge is issued by another local authority you will be required to update your details so that it reflects your current name and address correctly.

Carer details:

A letter on official headed paper from one of the below services stating your name, address and details of carer arrangements at your home address for you.

• General Practitioner (GP),
• Merton Social Services,
• Social Services, (if not Merton Social Services)

Please note that it is your responsibility to inform us immediately if there are any changes in your status, name and or address.

We will ask all permit holders via a reminder to resubmit proof of blue badge and or proof of carers every year, this is to ensure our records are up to date. 

Please note that after your supporting documentation (for proof of carers status) 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:

• Your permit will be valid for 12 months:
  • Unless specified for a shorter period on the letter of application for medical reasons, or.
  • Until the expiry of your Blue badge if there is less than 12 months remaining.
• Following expiry of your permit you will need to reapply again presenting your supporting evidence of residency, Blue Badge and/or carer status as described above in sections 2 and 3.

5. Where can I park and use my permit?

You may park as follows:

• In a Permit Holder Bay within the respective controlled parking zone, in which you live/reside. 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 customers 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 carer permit does not grant you a right to park outside your home or guarantee the availability of a parking space.

You may not park in a Disabled Bay with a carer permit as these are only for the use of blue badge holders who display a valid Blue Badge.

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. Change of details

If you move house, you must cancel your existing permit and apply for a new permit. Your old permit must be returned to the office via the post or in person to the Merton Civic Centre.

• If your carer status changes or you no longer require carers, please inform us immediately and return the permit in the post or in person to the Merton Civic Centre.

All carer permits will be sent out via recorded delivery, which will require the permit to be signed for on receipt.

Lost permit:

• Please note if your Carer permit is lost, we will cancel this permit.
• Civil Enforcement Officer will undertake on street checks to confirm the permit is not being used.

Stolen permit:

• If your permit is stolen you will need to supply a crime reference number and details of the incident before consideration is given to replacement.

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 residential parking permit for yourself or others. Merton Council may prosecute if this is believed to be the case.
• Do not copy or laminate any permit under any circumstances, as any such copied permit will be issued a PCN(s).

In order to ensure the integrity of the permit scheme, Merton Council may undertake sample checks to verify an applicant's details, including requesting supporting documents as appropriate.

Your information may be shared with third parties for the purpose of preventing of 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.

Failure to have a valid permit displayed 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 residential 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 residential 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.