Request a new parking restriction
We can consider requests for new parking restrictions, such as resident permit zones, and single or double yellow lines. We can also consider requests to amend or remove existing restrictions.
Parking restrictions usually aim to:
- prevent dangerous or obstructive parking
- assist with the general flow of traffic
- improve road safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists
- improve visibility at junctions
- improve access for emergency services and refuse vehicles
- deter commuter parking
We receive a considerable number of requests for parking restrictions every year. It is a costly and lengthy legal process, and must go through public consultation. The whole process can take between 12 to 18 months to complete.
Before you apply, you need to read our policy for implementing new parking restrictions.
You will need to provide a description of how your request meets the policy's criteria as part of your application.
We try to avoid introducing unnecessary parking restrictions, so we can concentrate our funds on essential schemes to tackle major parking issues. We will only consider your request if it is absolutely necessary and meets our criteria.
Support
When you request a parking restriction, you will also need to show there is support for it.
This includes:
- the support of your ward Councillor and/or Essex County Council Councillor
- a petition to confirm that other affected residents in the area support your suggestion (including names, addresses and signatures)
If you do not submit a petition as part of your application, we will not accept your request.
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We will not introduce parking restrictions for individual properties.
There are a number of different types of restriction you can ask for. You should read the list carefully, so you can select the most appropriate option when you apply.
Resident permit parking
This is where only residents with a valid permit can park during the restricted times.
Parking by non-residents must be severe enough to seriously inconvenience residents, particularly if most residents have no off-street parking.
We would consider the problem severe if there are vehicles parked the whole length of the road, taking all available space for long periods.
We are unlikely to consider parking issues that are short-term invasion, such as school drop off and pick up.
Single yellow line
This is where you are not allowed to park at certain times of the day.
If we restrict vehicles from one location, it may just move the problem to an adjacent road, rather than solve the problem completely.
Double yellow lines
This is where parking is banned at all times.
Double yellow line restrictions on a junction will be in line with Rule 243 of the Highway Code. This states ‘DO NOT stop or park opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space’.
Loading and goods vehicle only bays
We will consider requests for loading and unloading provision on their individual merits.
They need to help maintain the safe free flow of traffic, and support local transport development plans and local business and retail organisations.
No loading or unloading
To help support local business, we need to ensure vehicles can deliver goods in suitable locations, unless this causes safety issues.
School keep clear lines
Restrictions around schools that tackle a short-term parking issue need a concentrated enforcement presence from us. This means it is not always a practical or cost effective way of solving the issue.
We are part of the 3PR scheme, which works with schools and parents to encourage considerate parking.
Limited waiting bays
Requests for limited waiting bays must help local businesses and the retail sector. This is to make sure these areas are not used for all-day commuter parking.
Pay and display bays
When assessing these requests, we need to factor in the cost of setting up a pay and display scheme. This includes the initial outlay and on-going costs, such as cash collection and daily maintenance.
Taxi ranks
We will consider requests for taxi ranks on their individual merits. They need to:
- help maintain the safe free flow of traffic
- be in line with local transport development plans, planning criteria and new development
- be supported by taxi associations
As well as showing you have support for your request, you will also need to provide:
- your name and contact details
- a description of the problem that you think will be solved with a parking restriction
- a suggested solution to the problem, and the times we need to enforce it
Once we receive your request, we will acknowledge it within ten working days.
We will assess your request against our criteria for implementing new parking restrictions. We will also consider the accident rates, traffic flow and obstruction in your location. As all requests have their own complexities, we will keep you up to date with our investigations as they progress.
If your request does not meet our criteria, we will contact you to let you know we have rejected your request.
If we approve your request and can implement the restriction, we will let you know. We will then produce a traffic order for the location. When we produce a new traffic order, we have to follow the legal process, so the time this takes will vary. We will keep you up to date as the new traffic order progress.