Cabinet Member Report
Date:
Subject:
30 September 2008
RESIDENT PARKING PERMIT SCHEME PROPOSALS
Summary
The resident parking permit scheme addresses the parking needs of Westminster
residents by providing designated areas where they can park their vehicle within
their zone of residence when displaying a valid resident permit. This document
lays out a set of recommendations to further transform the service by streamlining
the application criteria while continuing to protect the scheme against fraud.
Recommendations
1. That the Cabinet Member agrees that the measures outlined in paragraphs
2.1.1 to 2.1.9 be adopted as permanent policy for this scheme.
2. That the Cabinet Member agrees to the introduction of a £10 fee to issue a
Unique Reference Number (URN) for a temporary change of vehicle.
3. That the Cabinet Member agrees to the increase in cost from £10 to £30 to
replace a lost permit.
4. That the Cabinet Member notes that the costs to implement the above
measures will be met from current budgetary allowances.
5. That power be delegated to the Director of Parking Services to make any
changes to traffic orders required to implement the measures outlined in this
report.
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Cabinet Member:
Date:
Classification:
Title of Report:
Report of:
Wards involved:
Policy context:
Financial summary:
Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport
30 September 2008
For General Release
Resident Parking Permit Scheme Proposals
The Director of Parking
All
Fits with the Council’s Parking Charter – to be
Firm, Fair, Excellent and Progressive.
Capital: No capital expenditure is required to
implement the recommended changes.
Revenue: The cost to implement the proposed
changes to the scheme is £6,356 and will be met
from 2008/09 budget.
Report Author:
Malvi Shah
Contact details
Malvi Shah
Telephone 020 7641 8731
Fax 020 7641 3481
mshah1@westminster.gov.uk
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1. BACKGROUND
1.1.
In 2005, improvements were made to the criteria for the resident parking
permit scheme. The new guidelines have led to a greatly improved
experience for customers when applying at a One Stop.
1.2.
Since then, Westminster’s preferred channel for residents’ applications has
shifted from One Stop to on-line. Approximately 60% of all resident permit
holders already renew their permit successfully online. This has proved to be
highly successful and has resulted in back office savings of £118K per annum.
Because of this a review of the current processes has been conducted to
support a further shift to online services (for first time applicants, as well as
permit changes) while continuing to maintain the integrity of the scheme.
1.3.
This report lays out a set of recommendations to continue transforming the
service by making some changes to application criteria while continuing to
protect the scheme against fraud. An online solution has not been proposed
at this time. This is because the online solution proposed has not met the
overall aim to simplify and improve accessibility and customer experience for
first-time applications and permit changes. Further investigation into online
options is required and this will be explored again as part of phase 2 of the
Permit Strategy.
2. PROPOSALS
2.1.
The following proposals require Cabinet Member approval.
Application Proofs
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.5
Proposal
Accept any proofs issued in joint names
(i.e. bills), as well as those in sole
names.
Accept Mobile phone bills (contract
customers only).
A vehicle registration document or
insurance certificate can be accepted
as both a vehicle proof and residency
proof for privately owned vehicles.
Justification
Still gives Westminster ability
validate identity and residency
to
Recognises that not all households
have a landline anymore
As address is on the certificate, there is
no reason why this cannot be used as a
residency proof. Improved experience
for the customer while still giving
excellent comfort level on eligibility
That it be compulsory for Renewal Permit holders have had 1 year
Applicants to be on the Electoral flexibility to get added to the ER.
Register if eligible.
That original documents are not Cost savings on postage from not
required
for
first
time
permit needing to return original documents to
applications.
This will enable the the customer. Keeps customers out of
applicant to post a copy of their One Stops
relevant proofs, removing the need to
visit a One Stop. Applicants at One
Stops will be required to produce
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original documentation.
Copies of
proofs need not be returned to the
applicant, which may generate some
postal cost savings.
Change of details / Badge reissue
2.1.6
2.1.7
2.1.8
2.1.9
Proposal
That a charge of £10 be introduced for
permit holders requesting a URN for a
temporary change of vehicle ( e.g. car
hire while own vehicle is in the garage
for repair). The URN should be valid
for 14 days only. The customer may
not apply for a 2nd URN unless a
minimum of 14 days has elapsed after
expiry of the 1st URN. This service will
only be available to customers via
telephone or at a One Stop Services.
The URN can be emailed to the
applicant and must be displayed on the
vehicle dashboard with the current
permit.
That the charge to replace a lost permit
be increased from £10 to £30 in respect
of all payment methods.
Justification
This will help prevent against fraudulent
use.
Incentive for customers to look after
their permits. Encourages customers
to report to the police if permit was
actually stolen. Stolen permits are
reissued at no cost.
That the charge to replace a stolen Incentive to report to the police rather
permit be removed on provision of a than incur the £30 charge for a lost
verifiable crime reference number and permit reissue
the details of the police station the theft
was reported to.
That only one re-issue for lost or stolen Anti fraud measure
permits per rolling 12 months will be
made. For subsequent requests, the
case must be referred to Bentley
Jennison before any further permit is
issued.
3.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
3.1.
A full review of the proposals has been conducted by Vertex to determine setup costs and resources required. These have been estimated at £6,356.
Any cost savings will be realised through the formal Volumes Mechanism
process and are expected to take place 6 months after implementation.
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3.2.
In 2006 and 2007 a total of 2809 URNs were issued. At an average of 1400
URNs issued per annum, possible income generated from charging £10 per
URN will be £14,000.
3.3.
At this time it is not possible to estimate expected income generated through
charging for lost permits. This will be identified in the future following
implementation of the changes outlined in this report.
4.
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
4.1.
The measures outlined in this report are changes to policy and enforcement
practice and are not expected to require any formal change to TMOs for the
following reasons:
There is no change to the concessions that this scheme affords the user.
The criteria for the scheme are contained in the policy documents.
The introduction of fees to administer changes to permit details are
administrative costs only and do not need to be referred to in TMOs.
It should be noted that the recommendation in the Cabinet Report entitled
‘Resident’s Parking Permit Fee Review 2008’ will require formal changes to
TMOs.




Nevertheless it is recommended that power be delegated to the Director of
Parking Services to make any changes to traffic orders that may be required.
5.
STAFFING IMPLICATIONS
5.1.
There are no direct staffing implications.
5.2.
Staff will need to be trained on the policy changes.
6.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IMPLICATIONS
6.1.
The measures put forward for decision will require that ICPS is updated to
effectively administer the scheme.
7.
BUSINESS PLAN IMPLICATIONS
7.1.
Permanent adoption of these measures will align with Parking Services
Mission statement to be Firm, Fair, Excellent and Progressive and will
delivered against the 2007/08 Parking Services Business Plan.
Implementation of this project was delayed as a direct result of delivery of
TMA 2004 and differential charging.
8.
DATA PROTECTION
8.1.
The Data Protection Team have been consulted. There are no changes to
how personal data is being held and used. The Data Protection Team will be
consulted around the updated application form.
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9.
CONSULTATION
9.1.
This review follows the 2005 review of the resident permit scheme. Internal
workgroups were held at the outset of this project with a view to further
streamline this scheme whilst ensuring that the security of the scheme is
protected. No fundamental changes have been proposed to the criteria of
this scheme and the focus has been on removing duplication of information
and unnecessary information requested and aligning with current customer
behaviour such as accepting mobile phone bills as a proof document.
9.2.
Customer surveys were conducted to assess feasibility and appetite for
introducing online application methods. The scheme that was developed
lacked robustness and would not have delivered an improved or accessible
service. This has been removed from the scope of this project and now forms
part of phase 2 of the Permit Strategy review which will come into effect
following implementation of phase 1. A separate report will be issued.
10.
CRIME AND DISORDER ACT 1998
10.1.
There are no Crime and Disorder issues.
11.
HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUES
11.1.
There are no health & safety issues
12.
EQUALITIES AND DIVERSITY
12.1.
Equality Impact Assessments have been carried out and no issues have
been identified. Further assessments will be carried out if required.
13.
HUMAN RIGHTS ACT
13.1.
There are no known human rights implications resulting from this report.
14.
CONCLUSIONS AND REASONS FOR THE PROPOSED DECISION
14.1.
This report recommends minor changes to the criteria for the issue of
residents’ parking permits and associated matters. The recommended
measures will give a better experience for our resident permit holders and
offer cost saving opportunities in the back office.
If you have any queries about this report or would like to inspect any of the
background papers, please contact Malvi Shah on 020 7641 8731 or e-mail
mshah1@westminster.gov.uk
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LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS
1.
Report to Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport dated 29 July 2008
entitled ‘Residents’ Parking Permit Fee Review 2008’.
2.
Overall Customer Survey Summary and Recommendations
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
URN
TMO
ICPS
TMA 2004
A Unique Reference Number (URN) may be issued to a valid resident
permit holder when they (i) change their vehicle or (ii) have a courtesy
vehicle when their vehicle is temporarily off the road in a garage for
repair. This is displayed with the permit for the previous vehicle.
Traffic Management Order
This is in the on-street parking management system
This refers to the Traffic Management Act 2004
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APPENDIX A
Full eligibility criteria
The following is a list of principal differences between the current scheme and the
revised scheme for applicants with privately owned vehicles. Company/lease vehicle
requirements are given in the application form.
NOVEMBER 2005
WHO CAN APPLY:
Residents whose main or sole domestic
residence is within the City boundaries
REVISED 2008
This remains the same. Applicants are
required to declare the Westminster
address as their sole or main residence
and there is no element of number of
nights in this criterion.
FIRST TIME APPLICATIONS BY POST FIRST TIME APPLICATIONS BY POST
AND ONE STOP SERVICES
AND ONE STOP SERVICES
All documents must be original and show All documents no longer need to be
the applicant’s name and Westminster originals. Copies of the relevant proofs
address.
will be accepted including proofs issued
in joint names.
 Vehicle registration document V5C.
 Vehicle registration document V5C
(which can be accepted as both a
 Where applicable to eco-vehicles, the
vehicle proof and a residency proof)
V5C must show the qualification
for privately owned vehicles
under
the
section
for
‘fuel
classification’; or
 Where applicable to eco-vehicles, the
V5C must show the qualification
 Documentation confirming that the
under
the
section
for
‘fuel
vehicle was converted by an
classification’; or
approved supplier, as listed in the
Transport
Energy
Powershift
Register
 Documentation confirming that the
vehicle was converted by an
approved supplier, as listed in the
 Valid Certificate and schedule of
Transport
Energy
Powershift
vehicle insurance (NB: if all details
Register
appear on one of these documents,
this is acceptable); and
 Valid Certificate and schedule of
Two items from the following list of Proof
vehicle insurance (which can be
of Residence (POR):
accepted as both a vehicle proof and
a residency proof) (NB: if all details
appear on one of these documents,
 Current council tax demand; or
this is acceptable); and
 A property purchase document (a
letter on headed note paper from your Two items from the following list of Proof
solicitor confirming that you are the of Residence (POR):
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NOVEMBER 2005
legal owner of the property),
REVISED 2008
 Current council tax demand; or

A formal tenancy agreement or a 
housing association rent document.

A recent, (not more than three
months old), utility bill; or

A recent, (not more than three
months old), telephone (land line) bill,
(mobile phones bills will not be
accepted); or


A recent, (not more than three
months old) personal bank or
building society or credit card
statement. Company accounts will
not be accepted.

A formal tenancy agreement or a
housing association rent document.

A recent, (not more than three
months old), utility bill; or

A recent, (not more than three
months old), telephone (land line) bill
or mobile phone bill (contract
customers only); or

Valid driving licence
and
 Applicants who are eligible must be
on the Electoral Roll.

A property purchase document (a
letter on headed note paper from your
solicitor confirming that you are the
legal owner of the property),

A recent, (not more than three
months old) personal bank or
building society or credit card
statement. Company accounts will
not be accepted; or
Valid driving licence
The applicant must not be the
registered keeper of a vehicle with 3 and
or more outstanding parking tickets at  It is compulsory for applicants who
Order for Recovery Stage.
are eligible to be on the Electoral
Roll.

The applicant must not be the
registered keeper of a vehicle with 3
or more outstanding parking tickets at
Order for Recovery Stage.
RENEWAL APPLICATIONS
Copies of documents will be accepted for
postal applications, including those
issued in joint names.
RENEWAL APPLICATIONS
Renewal applicants living
address registered under
application will be required
following showing their
name and address:
Renewal applicants living
address registered under
application will be required
following showing their
name and address:

at the same
the previous
to provide the
Westminster
Valid Insurance documents

at the same
the previous
to provide the
Westminster
Valid Insurance documents
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NOVEMBER 2005
REVISED 2008

Vehicle registration document V5C


Where applicable to eco-vehicles, the
V5C must show the qualification
under
the
section
for
‘fuel
classification’; or
Vehicle registration document V5C
which can be accepted as both a
vehicle proof and a residency proof
for privately owned vehicles

Documentation confirming that the
vehicle was converted by an
approved supplier, as listed in the
Transport Energy Powershift Register
Where applicable to eco-vehicles, the
V5C must show the qualification
under
the
section
for
‘fuel
classification’; or

Documentation confirming that the
vehicle was converted by an
approved supplier, as listed in the
Transport
Energy
Powershift
Register

And one item from the following proof of
residence list dated within the previous 3
months:

Current council tax demand; or

A property purchase document (a
letter on headed note paper from your
solicitor confirming that you are the
legal owner of the property,
And one item from the following proof of
residence list dated within the previous 3
months:

Current council tax demand; or

A property purchase document (a
letter on headed note paper from your
solicitor confirming that you are the
legal owner of the property,

A formal tenancy agreement or a
housing association rent document.

A recent, (not more than three

months old), utility bill; or

A recent, (not more than three
months old), telephone (land line) bill,
(mobile phones bills will not be
accepted); or

A recent, (not more than three
months old) personal bank or
building society or credit card
statement. Company accounts will
not be accepted.
If the details on the documents have not
changed since the previous application,
copies of documents will be accepted.
A formal tenancy agreement or a
housing association rent document.

A recent, (not more than three
months old), utility bill; or

A recent, (not more than three
months old), telephone (land line) bill
or mobile phone bill (contract
customers only); or

A recent, (not more than three
months old) personal bank or
building society or credit card
statement. Company accounts will
not be accepted.
Where any of the details on a document Copies of documents will be accepted
have changed from the previous year's including proofs issued in joint names.
application - including dates - original
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NOVEMBER 2005
REVISED 2008
documents must be provided. Apart from
the Vehicle, won’t the dates have
changed on all of them? This was
intended to mean that if all the
application details are the same (i.e.
name, vehicle and address, we will take
copies of the documents listed in this
section.
TEMPORARY PERMITS
TEMPORARY PERMITS
If a resident has just moved into Remains the same
Westminster, minimum requirements:
proof of residency by a property
purchase
document
or
tenancy
agreement and certificate of motor
insurance for new address. A cover note
will be accepted for temporary issue.
A temporary one month permit issued
while full name and address change
documentation is prepared.
Payment for full period of the permit
requested.
No
refund
if
full
documentation not supplied. However, if
full documentation is provided but the
permit is no longer required, a refund will
be granted. A £10 refund charge will
apply in both instances.
A second month’s temporary permit can
be issued provided the applicant
demonstrates that the delay is beyond
their control.
PERMIT TYPES
PERMIT TYPES
An annual permit which is valid for 12 An annual permit which is valid for 12
months.
months.
The cost for an on-street permit is £110
(discounted rate £78 for vehicles under
1200 cc, powered solely by electricity or
LPG or hybrid).
Costs for issue and renewal of these
permits have been outlined in the
Cabinet Report entitled ‘Resident’s
Parking Permit Fee Review 2008’. This
report was approved on 6th August 2008.
On-line applications will receive a £5 The following has been proposed:
reduction, i.e. £105 for an annual permit
(discounted rate £75 for vehicles under  Increase annual residents’ parking
1200 cc or powered solely by electricity
permit fee from £115 to £120 for first
or LPG or hybrid)
time applications and non-electronic
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NOVEMBER 2005
RENEWAL DATE
REVISED 2008
renewals (the online renewal fee
would remain unchanged at £105
p.a.)

Discounted residents’ parking permit
fee (annual) increase from £80 to £85
(first time applications & nonelectronic renewals), for vehicles
fuelled by petrol or diesel with an
engine capacity of 1200 cc or less
(the online renewal fee would remain
unchanged at £70 p.a.)

the “eco” residents’ parking permit to
remain at £0 per annum
RENEWAL DATE
Renewal date to follow on consecutively Remains the same.
after expiry
This reduces the incentive to have a gap
between permits and take a chance that
the vehicle will not receive a PCN
Renewal reminders are sent out four
weeks in advance. No grace period. If a
permit holder fails to renew in time then
they should bear the full responsibility
and pay the full charge].
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For completion by Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport
Declaration of Interest

I have no interest to declare in respect of this report
Signed ……………………………. Date ………………………………
NAME: Councillor Danny Chalkley, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport.

I have to declare an interest
State nature of interest ……..……………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………..
Signed ……………………………. Date …………………………………
NAME: Councillor Danny Chalkley, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport.
(N.B: If you have an interest you should seek advice as to whether it is appropriate
to make a decision in relation to this matter.)
For the reasons set out above, I agree the recommendations of the report entitled
Resident Parking Permit Scheme Proposals.
Signed ……………………………. Date …………………………………
NAME: Councillor Danny Chalkley, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport.
If you have any additional comment which you would want actioned in connection
with your decision you should discuss this with the report author and then set out
your comment below before the report and this pro-forma is returned to the
Secretariat for processing.
Additional comment: …………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………….
NOTE: If you do not wish to approve the recommendations, or wish to make an
alternative decision, it is important that you consult the report author, the Director of
Legal & Administrative Services, the Director of Finance & Resources and, if there
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are staffing implications, the Director of Human Resources (or their representatives)
so that (1) you can be made aware of any further relevant considerations that you
should take into account before making the decision and (2) your reasons for the
decision can be properly identified and recorded, as required by law.
Note to Cabinet Member: Your decision will now be published and copied to
the Members of the relevant Policy & Scrutiny Committee. If the decision falls
within the criteria for call-in, it will not be implemented until five working days
have elapsed for any call-in request to be received.
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