Resident permit terms and conditions

London Borough of Merton

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

1. Permit Information

Definition of a residential parking permit

A residential parking permit is intended for use only by the resident permit holder to enable them to park one vehicle they own/have access to, in permit bays during the restricted period within the relevant controlled parking zone (CPZ).

A residential parking permit is for one vehicle only on payment of the appropriate fee plus diesel surcharge, if applicable.

Resident parking permits are e-Permits, there is no need to display a physical permit.

Who can apply?

• Residents who can provide evidence they live within a CPZ at least 5 nights a week.
• Residents who can provide evidence own or have access to a vehicle registered at the same address. Or can provide insurance details to supply evidence that the vehicle is primarily kept at the same address, as set out in section 3 below, and;
• Residents who own a passenger or goods carrying vehicle that does not exceed 5.25 metres in overall length or 2.28 metres in height.
• Residents that do not have 3 or more outstanding/unpaid penalty charge notices (PCNs) against the vehicle, within Merton. We define an outstanding PCN as a PCN that has progressed beyond the point where representations can be considered.

Please note: the planning conditions for some new build or change of use housing do not allow residents to apply for a residential parking permit. New applications will be checked with the relevant parties, registers databases etc.

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 every 5th renewal, this is to ensure are records are up to date. However, random eligibility checks may be undertaken and you may be requested to present proof of residency within this period.

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 vehicle ownership

Please provide one of the following:

Your vehicle:

• A copy of the vehicle registration document (V5C) this will need to be in your name and address of the property, within the relevant CPZ for which you are applying.
• A copy of the Hire or Lease agreement from a 'registered organisation' that includes your name and the address of the property within the relevant CPZ for which you are applying for.
• A current insurance document, with at least 3 months remaining, that includes your name and the address for which you are applying for a permit. This insurance document must state that the primary location the vehicle is being kept, which must match your address of the property within the relevant CPZ for which you are applying for.
• Bill of sale – if you have just purchased a vehicle and are not yet the registered keeper, we will accept a bill of sale (with your name and address of the property within the relevant CPZ for which you are applying for). You must within 6 weeks provide a copy of the V5C to prevent your permit from being cancelled.

Company vehicle:

• If the vehicle is registered to a company, please provide a letter of authority, on letter headed paper of the company, signed by an executive or director confirming the vehicle details, that you have sole use of the vehicle and your current home address as per company records.

Leased vehicle:

• If the vehicle is leased from a company, please provide a copy of the agreement from a 'registered organisation' with your name and address (address of the property within the relevant CPZ for which you are applying for) must be provided as shown on the agreement. If you change or renew the lease, please inform us immediately and provide a copy of the new agreement.

Note: A permit is valid only for the specific vehicle registration given in the application. Failure to insert vehicle registration details correctly, may result in a Penalty Charge Notice being issued.

We will reject your application if the name and address on any documentation does not match the residence or name given in the application.

We will ask all permit holders to resubmit proof of vehicle ownership every 5th renewal, this is to ensure that our records are up to date. However, random eligibility checks may be undertaken, and you may be requested to present proof of vehicle within this period.

There is a surcharge for diesel vehicles, applicable in addition to the permit charge.

Please note that after your supporting documentation (for proof of 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 either 6 months or 12 months, dependent on which permit you apply for.
• We will notify you when your permit is due to expire via email or by post if we do not have an email address for you.
• Reminders are sent as a courtesy measure and are not a legal obligation. The onus is on the resident to ensure that the permit is renewed in time to avoid penalty charge notices (PCN’s) being issued.

5. Where can I park and use my permit?

You may park:

• In a Permit Holder Bay within the 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 residential 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 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, including refunds and additional charges.

Change of address

If you have an e-permit and move house, you will need to cancel your current permit and change your address. You can do this via your account under the section ‘view or change your details.’ Once your address has been updated you will be able to apply for a new resident permit at your new address.

Change of Vehicle

If you are changing your vehicle you will need to edit your vehicle details within your permit. You will be required to upload proof of vehicle as per section 3. You may be entitled to a pro rata refund or an additional charge depending on your new vehicle fuel type. 

Temporary cover or courtesy vehicle

If you have the use of a temporary or courtesy vehicle, you must change your details online immediately using the ‘view/edit’ button and ‘apply a temporary cover’.

This cover can last up to 21 days on your account. Once this is active your current vehicle is not covered for parking.

A refund may be due:

If you 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 residential 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 proofs every 5th renewal, this is to ensure are records are up to date. However, random eligibility checks may be undertaken and you may be requested to present proof of residency within this 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 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.