A local authority has announced crucial updates to the way drivers can obtain parking permits in the region.
Bedford Borough Council has revealed that from September 26 applications for parking permits will move online only.
Residents and businesses will be able to manage their parking permits entirely online, including visitor permits for residents living in Controlled Parking Zones.
With the new virtual parking permits, there will be no need to display a physical permit in the vehicle. Once a permit has been applied for and paid for online, it will be instantly activated, allowing it to be used immediately.
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Parking permits will change at the end of the month
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Councillor Jim Weir, said: “Virtual parking permits streamline the application process, reduce paper waste, and provide a more user-friendly experience for our residents, businesses and voluntary organisations.
“This move mirrors the government’s abolishment of tax discs some time ago, marking a significant step toward modernising our parking services.
“The application process for parking permits has been online for some time now and anyone less digitally able will continue to find support when needed.”
The reduction in paper waste forms part of the council’s drive to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Weir added: “The convenience of virtual parking permits is undeniable. Residents and businesses will be able to apply for and manage their permits at any time, from anywhere with an internet connection.
“Gone will be the days of waiting for permits to arrive in the post or searching for the right visitor permit to scratch off. Virtual permits are instantly activated once the application process is complete.”
Key changes for current users of Bedford Borough Council parking permits mean that all applicants will need to register for a parking account before starting an application. However, all existing permits will remain valid until their expiry.
Residential, business, and voluntary organisation parking permits, season tickets, and parking waivers will no longer be physical parking permits that are posted out.
The virtual permit will become live as soon as the application process is completed with residents in CPZs no longer receiving booklets of visitor permits.
Instead, they will be issued an allocated number of hours and can create a virtual visitor permit online.
As for healthcare parking permits, these will become virtual rather than physical with employers needing to apply for the permits.
The council website explained: “A virtual parking permit means there’s no permit to display on your dashboard.
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Drivers will see parking permits move to online only
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“Once you have applied and paid for your permit online, your permit will be active immediately – no need to wait for it to arrive in the post, instead, you will be able to start using it straight away.
“Remember to apply for your new, virtual parking permit before your paper permit expires – we need seven working days to process your application. Our systems can check whether your car has a valid permit. If our system tells us that a parked car does not have a valid permit, then we will issue a penalty charge notice.”
