Permit terms and conditions

Operational permit terms and conditions

These terms and conditions apply to Operational Permits issued by Southend-on-Sea City Council and are designed to ensure the scheme is protected for those entitled.

Eligibility

  • healthcare professionals providing community-based care:
    • health visitors
    • district nurses
    • community physiotherapists
    • phlebotomists
  • corporate carers working in partnership with the Council
  • legal professionals carrying out official duties
  • Government agencies and public sector bodies (e.g. HM Revenue and Customs)
  • partner organisations delivering statutory services on behalf of a public sector body
  • approval is entirely at the discretion of the Council

Application

  • proof of requirement - acceptable proof of requirement may include a letter on the company's official letterhead or a communication from an official email address (dated within the last 3 months). The letter or email must include:
    • confirmation that the applicant is an employee
    • the vehicle registration number that the permit is for
    • a brief explanation of why the permit is required
    • proof of vehicle ownership e.g. full DVLA V5C document (not the slip) or motor insurance policy document (to include full address of property)
  • the appropriate permit fee must be paid, as per the Council’s Fees and Charges
  • it is the permit holder’s responsibility to renew their permit before it expires. Renewal reminders may be sent as a courtesy but are not guaranteed

Vehicle type

  • the permit must only be used for:
    • passenger vehicle (maximum 8 passengers, excluding driver)
    • road legal motorcycle, tricycle or quad bike
    • light goods vehicle
    • built-in camper van (not detachable caravan)
  • overall vehicle height must not exceed 2.3 metres, and length must not exceed 5.5 metres
  • must fit entirely within a marked bay (if present) without overhanging

Use

  • An operational permit is only valid for use in the designated location(s) associated to the permit type/ colour-code that has been issued:
  1. Operational Permit (Yellow) - This is a virtual permit, valid for up to 4 hours parking within a residential parking permit scheme area or at on-street pay-by-phone/ pay and display bays operated by Southend City Council.
  2. Operational Permit (Pink) - This is a virtual permit, valid for up to 6 hours parking within a residential parking permit scheme area or at on-street pay-by-phone/ pay and display bays operated by Southend City Council
  3. Operational Permit (Black) - This is a printed permit that is transferable between vehicles and must be displayed on the dash or fascia of the vehicle when in use. It is valid for up to 4 hours parking within a residential parking permit scheme area or at on-street pay-by-phone/ pay and display bays operated by Southend City Council
  4. Operational Permit (Silver) - This is a virtual permit, valid for up to 6 hours parking within a residential parking permit scheme area or at on-street pay-by-phone/ pay and display bays operated by Southend City Council as well as Council-managed car parks (except the following car parks - Civic Underground, Civic East, Civic North (surface), Beecroft Lower, Beecroft Upper and Baxter Avenue)
  • The permit is issued strictly for use when attending official work duties. Use of the permit for personal, domestic or non-operational purposes is not permitted.
  • Paper permits must be displayed on the dash or fascia of the vehicle. Photocopies or altered versions are prohibited and may be treated as fraud.
  • Having a permit does not guarantee a parking space. Parking spaces are available on a first come, first served basis, and some parking locations may be at full capacity at the desired time of use.
  • The following are prohibited when parked:
    • Selling or offering vehicles for sale
    • Buying or selling goods or services
    • Using the vehicle for accommodation, including sleeping, camping, or cooking
    • Carrying out commercial activities in or around the vehicle
  • Vehicle must be in roadworthy condition, fully on its wheels with tyres properly inflated. Vehicles that are jacked up or have deflated tyres will be considered non-compliant.
  • Permit holders may request cancellation at any time. Refunds are issued on a pro-rata basis for each full remaining calendar month, minus an administration fee. No refunds will be offered if less than one full calendar month remains or if paid by BACS or bank transfer.

Validity

  • permits are vehicle specific. A new application must be made if the registered vehicle changes except Operational Permit (Black)
  • permits will be cancelled if the permit holder no longer owns the vehicle
  • no refunds will be issued for permits cancelled due to misuse or breach of terms
  • permits are issued at the Council’s discretion and remain its property. They may be withdrawn at any time
  • if an application is unsuccessful or a permit is cancelled, the vehicle may be subject to enforcement
  • the Council reserves the right to issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if there are grounds to do so and to further request evidence of being on official duty at the time of parking upon an appeal
  • the permit must not be used to contravene any parking restrictions. Vehicles found in breach of parking regulations or the permit’s Terms and Conditions may be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
  • the permit is only valid while the employee is actively on duty. Any reported misuse will be investigated and may result in the permit being revoked and disciplinary action being taken by the Council

Cancellation and Revocation

  • the Council reserves the right to revoke any Operational Permit at any time if it is found to be:
    • fraudulently used or altered
    • abused for personal, domestic, or non-operational purposes, including parking at the permit holder’s own residence
    • used to evade parking charges in locations where payment or a permit is required
  • permits revoked under these circumstances:
    • will not be refunded
    • may result in the permit holder being barred from applying for future Operational Permits
  • misuse may also lead to disciplinary action by the Council and enforcement action, including the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)

Declaration

  • by submitting an application, the applicant agrees to all terms and conditions of use
  • knowingly providing false or forged information is a criminal offence. The Council may prosecute if fraud is identified

Data Protection

  • the Council will use personal data in line with the policy for General Data Protection Regulations, pursuant to administration of this scheme

Review

  • the Council reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions after giving notice to the permit holder of not less than 28 days
  • the Council reserves the right to revise, withdraw, cease or introduce any parking permit type at any time
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