Trade permits and parking waivers (also known as dispensations) allow contractors, landlords and agents to park on restricted roads in Devon while working at nearby properties. No permit guarantees you a parking space.
⚠️ These permits are not valid in:
- Torbay Borough Council
- Plymouth City Council
(Please check their websites for local schemes)
Existing neighbouring residents and business permit users cannot be adversely impacted by additional contractors bringing vehicles with them that cannot be accommodated onsite or elsewhere for the duration of the works being undertaken.
When You Don’t Need a Permit
You do not need a trade permit if you are:
- Moving house (sign-written removal vans can load/unload unless loading is restricted)
- Using a wedding or funeral car (service vehicles only)
- Responding to an emergency (e.g. gas, water, power, structural issues)
- Note: a permit or waivers is required for repair work after the emergency is made safe
- Attending a pre-booked gas service (sign-written vehicles only)
Types of Permits
The Council offers:
- Annual permits
- Weekly permits and waivers
- Daily permits and waivers
Charges and Terms and conditions for trade parking permits and waivers vary according to type. View current permit charges.
Who These Permits Are For
Trade permits are for local trades and workers who:
- Carry out repairs, maintenance or building work
- Need to park close to the property
- Rely on specialist materials/tools when working
- Have no other reasonable parking options
Typical vehicles include:
- Vans and commercial vehicles
- Estate cars or SUVs carrying tools/materials
Important Rules
- Permits are issued at the Council’s discretion
- They are issued for a specified vehicle for a specified road name
- Applications may be refused or permits withdrawn if misused
- Permits are not valid in off-street car parks
- They must not be used for your own convenience, commuting or personal parking
- They will be considered invalid if found parked more than 50 metres and within sight of the address for which the permit has been granted.
- A receipt for payment of a parking permit, does not mean you can park. Your application may not be in time or successful. Wait for notification of approval before parking at the work address.
Annual Trade Permits
Annual Permits require pre approval via a registration process. If approved they allow the holder to use resident permit only and limited waiting spaces for the duration of the works to be done and can be used at multiple job sites for the period it is valid.
- Cannot be used:
- For commuting or personal use
- Near your home address (within ~1 mile)
- Instead of a resident permit
- May not be granted for long-term redevelopment or refurbishment projects
- Must not negatively impact local residents or businesses
✅ If ongoing work requires a vehicle, consider daily or weekly permits or waivers instead
Existing neighbouring residents and business permit users cannot be adversely impacted by additional contractors bringing vehicles with them that cannot be accommodated onsite or elsewhere for the duration of that site’s redevelopment or repairs.
Daily and Weekly Permits
- Allow parking in:
- Resident bays
- Limited waiting bays
- Pay & Display spaces
Waivers (Additional Flexibility)
- May allow parking on yellow lines (if safe and necessary)
- Must be:
- Location-specific
- Applied for at least 48 hours in advance
Key Reminder
These permits are only for essential work purposes where parking nearby is necessary. They cannot be used simply to make parking easier or cheaper.
Permits do not guarantee a parking space at your chosen road. If you are unfamiliar with the restrictions in the road or area, you can use our parking restrictions map to help you with your application.