Parking permits
In this section
Permit parking overview
The council introduces and manages permit parking restrictions. Restricted hours vary across different areas which will be indicated on signs. Vehicles parked in an area with permit parking restrictions during restricted hours must have a valid permit. You do not need a permit to park outside of the restricted hours.
The Three Rivers online permit system can be accessed here:
Information on the different permit parking restrictions across district is available below. Please note, the up to date parking fees and charges can be found here.
Parking Permit Restrictions – Bedmond (BED) (PDF)
Parking Permit Restrictions – Chorleywood - GS, ST and TX (PDF)
Parking Permit Restrictions – Chorleywood - NL (PDF)
Parking Permit Restrictions – Chorleywood - NL and NS (PDF)
Parking Permit Restrictions – Chorleywood - OW (PDF)
Parking Permit Restrictions – Chorleywood - OZ (PDF)
Parking Permit Restrictions – Croxley Green (PDF)
Parking Permit Restrictions – Kings Langley - RG (PDF)
Parking Permit Restrictions – Rickmansworth (PDF)
Parking Permit Restrictions - Rickmansworth West (PDF)
Frequently asked questions
What are permit parking restrictions?
Permit parking restrictions prioritise parking in an area for a group of residents or businesses who are eligible to purchase permits. They generally take two forms:
- Permit Parking Bays - These are marked bays on the highway with signs which indicate the permit parking restriction
- Permit Parking Areas - These are shown by zone entry signs which usually state ‘Permit Parking Only Beyond This Point’. There are generally no marked bays in a permit parking area
The demand for limited street parking is managed in this way, by restricting the classes of driver eligible for a permit, but most permit restrictions also include space where other drivers (such as visitors to shops and services) can pay for parking in public car parks or at 'pay by plate’ bays located near shops and local facilities.
The council will aim to maximise the number of parking bays on public roads when introducing restrictions by placing bays wherever it is safe and legal to do so. Bays cannot be marked where parking would cause a risk or would obstruct the free flow of traffic, or where parking would usually be illegal - for example, near junctions.
When do the restrictions apply?
Permit restrictions operate at different times depending on local parking pressures. Some restrictions are in force all day whilst others only operate for an hour, to encourage all-day commuters to use long-stay car parks.
Details of each restriction are agreed when each one is introduced, following detailed local consultation.
How much do permits cost?
A fee is charged for parking permits which contributes to covering the costs of introducing and managing the restrictions. Statutory guidance encourages councils to aim for civil parking enforcement to be self-financing and not funded by council tax where possible.
Permit prices are set for each permit zone depending on the amount of enforcement which is required. Prices are generally consistent across the district. You can view our permit prices here.
Permits are issued to specific vehicles to prevent misuse.
Would I be able to park outside my house?
Permit parking prioritises parking for people who occupy local addresses so, while we cannot allocate parking to specific addresses, the restrictions make it more likely that you would find parking close to your house (particularly if your road is affected by commuter parking). Permits prevent parking by non-residents who could park elsewhere - for example, in dedicated car parks.
How many permits can a resident apply for?
The number of permits each household can hold varies depending on the permit restrictions, but most provide two permits (some only one). This figure will be determined by the council as part of the decision-making process.
What about home deliveries, or medical or carer visits?
There are a variety of different options to enable legitimate parking to take place including:
- Most healthcare firms regularly use Health Visitor Permits that enable them to park in any permit place
- For those that require regular essential visitors to their properties due to essential care requirements a Special Permit can be applied for
- Where yellow lines (called ‘waiting restrictions’) are in place, vehicles must not be parked but could load or unload
Does permit parking prevent school drop offs / pickups?
If drivers are delivering or if parents stay with their vehicle, they would be unlikely to contravene the restrictions, but enforcement is usually tailored to the local situation, so for example enforcement officers typically focus on problem parking such as obstruction of school ‘keep clear’ zigzags or parking across driveways.
Where can local business staff park?
All-day parking options are available in off-street car parks in most town and village centres. You can find details here or on many popular websites and apps.
What about commuters who want to park near to a station or other site?
Private parking is available at rail stations, and any proposed scheme will include consideration of charged commuter parking (i.e. on-street pay-and-display) at locations where it does not disadvantage local residents.
In some cases, other options are available, to enable local businesses to use permits to park their vehicles in nearby car parks, or to provide long-stay parking through special permits, where available parking capacity is underused.
What is the penalty charged for parking with no permit?
The parking penalty (a civil penalty, not a fine) is set at £70 for a ‘higher level’ contravention like this (which is defined in law).
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