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Digital Controlled Parking Zones

Introduction

Since the Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) were implemented in 2010, Chichester District Council (CDC) has been issuing paper permits to residents and other motorists for their parking. Permits are then checked by patrolling Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) to ensure that only those who are permitted to park are using the parking space within the CPZs.

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) have requested the move to digital permits. Through feedback from our customers, we understand that having the ability to manage permits online will be a great improvement. Digital permits are being introduced via MiPermit, the council's digital parking system. This system has been in place for several years and already facilitates a growing number of cashless payments in car parks, season tickets and two controlled parking zones.

When will digital permits be introduced?

From 4 July 2023, customers will gradually move over to MiPermit digital permits and paper permits will no longer be issued.

This will also include paper Resident Visitor Permit (RVPs) which historically have been issued by the council in books and will no longer be available to purchase.

Customers will not move over to the digital MiPermit system until their permits are due to be renewed or a change is required to the permit e.g. a registration update.

 

Where will digital permits be introduced?

Zones E, F, G, H, H2, J, K, L, M, N and O.

Zones A and S are already digital.

 

What roads and streets are included?

Please visit the what zone am I in? page to check.

Please see the map of Controlled Parking Zones (Word doc, 1 MB)  (CPZs) in Chichester.

 

Why are digital permits being introduced?

There have been many advances in technology within the parking sector and these are designed to provide more flexibility to the permit holder. Authorities are also always looking to find ways to provide value for money and reduce our impact on the environment, this digital system assists with these important objectives. 

Parking Services administer on-street permits on behalf of the Highway Authority, WSCC. WSCC has successfully worked with other local authorities across the County to introduce MiPermit digital permits and the system has many benefits.

 

What are the benefits of digital permits?

  • Provides 24/7 access to manage permits online via a secure account
  • There are no permit replacement charges
  • Customers no longer need to wait for permits / replacement permits to be posted
  • Reduces our impact on the environment
  • Permits cannot be lost, stolen or fall from view in the vehicle
  • There is no longer a need to display a permit in a vehicle
  • Customers no longer need to make time to visit / contact the council because a permit can be managed online

 

When will permit holders move over to the MiPermit digital system?

The introduction of digital permits is being phased from the 4 July 2023 and the following customers will be moved to the digital system; 

  • New customers
  • Customers who receive a renewal reminder when their permit is due to expire
  • Customers who apply for a change of registration or who have lost their permit.

 

What can I expect when transferring to the new digital system?

Parking Services will send all customers with exiting permits, renewal reminder emails / letters when the permit is due to expire. You do not need to do anything until you receive the information. This will include all the details needed to complete a new MiPermit application. Until this time, the paper permit should continue to be displayed clearly in the windscreen.

From 4 July 2023, we will no longer issue any new paper permits.

Once an application has been reviewed by Parking Services and notification has been sent to advise the application has been successful, it is then the responsibility of the permit holder, to administer the permit using MiPermit.

We recommend customers download the MiPermit app (opens new window) where you can carry out some functions relating to permits.

 

How does it work?

Digital permits work in a similar way to paper permits in that an application must be submitted for council approval. A permit holder will have a MiPermit account which can be used to apply for, renew and manage permits. Renewal reminders will be sent to an email address only which was provided within the application. Although a reminder will be emailed, it is still advisable to make a calendar note of the expiry date of your permit.

Like many paper permits, vehicle registration marks (VRMs) can be assigned to a MiPermit account. Only one VRM can be active at one time on a permit but depending on the permit type, customers can make changes to the vehicles logged against a permit and sometimes, log up to three on an account. A permit holder/driver needs to ensure that the vehicle parking within the zone has the correct active registration on the digital permit.

Civil Enforcement Officers will continue to check that vehicles have valid permits by verifying the VRM against any active permit records.

 

What types of digital permits can be purchased?

The following types of Digital Permits are available to purchase on MiPermit:

  • Resident Permits can be purchased by residents living within the Controlled Parking Zones (PCZ)
  • Resident Visitor Permits can be purchased by residents living within the CPZ to enable visitors to park within a specific zone.
  • Non-Resident Permits can be purchased by anyone wishing to park within a specific road within the CPZ, subject to availability.  Please our Non-Resident Permit page for up to date availability.
  • Carer Permits are available for residents to purchase for their Carers. Carers can be family members/friends or paid carers.
  • Charity Permits are available to certified charitable organisations working within the CPZ and/or those regularly visiting residents.
  • Dispensations (Green and Red) can be applied for by trades people who require parking close to a property in order to carry out works: Green dispensations enable parking in pay and display, permit holder, limited waiting or shared use bay. Red dispensations enable parking on yellow line waiting restrictions.
  • Traders Permits are available to traders working within the CPZ who own a vehicle which has an 'operational need' to park nearby so that a regular delivery service can be maintained i.e. the permit is necessary for the efficient running of the business. Such traders will normally include butchers, bakers and fishmongers etc who load and distribute fresh produce locally. The traders should require constant access to a delivery vehicle throughout the day.
  • Healthcare Permits are available to people or companies within the Chichester District working within the healthcare services and who need to visit patients in their homes within the CPZ.

 

I don't have internet access

We work hard to ensure that we provide good value and efficient services and that we reduce the paper being used so online services assist us to meet these objectives. However, it is recognised that some customers may not have access to online services and therefore are able to provide paper applications and assistance for these customers. Customers can contact our Customer Services Team on 01243 534500 for advice.

 

How will I contact MiPermit?

MiPermit can be contacted in a number of ways. By phone, email, or online contact form.

 

Changing a vehicle registration mark (VRM)

If you have more than one registration assigned to your MiPermit account. You can change a registration in a number of ways:

  • You can download the MiPermit app (opens new window) to your smart phone. Click the menu button (3 stacked horizontal lines) whilst logged in to reveal the permits option, select this and then edit, add in your new registration and save.
  • You can login to your MiPermit account (opens new window), and from the 'Manage Digital Permits' option select the season ticket and click on edit registrations. You will need to enter your vehicle registration mark and save.
  • You can call MiPermit on 0345 520 7007.
  • You can email: help@mipermit.com. Please note that if you email MiPermit it will not be updated immediately so the other options are preferable.

If you need to add a new vehicle registration mark (VRM) to your MiPermit account you can do this by logging in to your MiPermit account (opens new window), clicking on buy digital permits and then permit 'Vehicle Registration Changes'.

 

Download the MiPermit app

We encourage you to download the MiPermit app. Using the app is the easiest way to activate a resident visitor permit or change a registration. To download the app, please visit MiPermit help page (opens new window)

 

I have more questions, who can I talk to?

Please take a moment to review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

 

FAQ

General information

Permit information

Visitor information

Accessibility

Bay Suspensions

Dispensations

 

General information

Why is West Sussex County Council moving away from paper permits to digital permits?

There are numerous benefits to using a digital permit system including reducing the impact we have on the environment, but also added convenience for customers being able to manage parking, at any time, rather than depending on the council. Previous customer feedback across the county has supported the move to digital permits, but we will always provide services which is suitable for everyone.

Who will be providing this digital service?

MiPermit will be administrating the digital permits on behalf of the council.

MiPermit enables the council to accept electronic payments for Pay & Display car parking, on-street permits, and season tickets. Each electronic permit is digital, meaning that you do not need to display anything in your vehicle. You simply pay and go.

How will a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) know if I have a permit?

If a vehicle has an active permit the details will be found on the handheld device used by the CEOs. They will check the vehicle registration mark (VRM) against details on the MiPermit system.

When you obtain parking through MiPermit, vehicle details are synchronised with the patrolling enforcement officers hand-held computers in real-time..

Will the CEOs still be able to enforce?

Digital permits will not affect the way the CEOs patrol the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), and they will continue to maintain the same level of enforcement.

 

Permit Information

Do I need to register for a digital permit account now?

You will receive a renewal letter when your existing permit is due to expire with details on how to apply/renew your permit digitally.

I already have a MiPermit account, what do I do?

If you are already using MiPermit, you can access your MiPermit account online and apply for permits. Simply follow the guidance for the permit type you are interested in.

How does the application process work for digital permits?

While permits will no longer be printed and displayed, the process to follow is very similar to the existing one. Most permit types require an application and supporting evidence and you will be guided through this when applying on MiPermit.

How will I purchase my on-street parking permit?

We have contacted all existing permit holders ahead of any changes to provide information and all renewal reminder letters will contain information about how to apply and purchase a permit/s. 

Customers will be able to purchase different types of permits online, directly through MiPermit. You will first set up an account, then you can purchase and renew permits online. You will need to upload the required proof for example proof of residency and vehicle registration document (V5), the front and second page.

Please ensure you have taken a picture or scanned a copy of the required proof before you start your application or have the documents to hand to upload.

Why do I pay when I apply?

A payment is required at the time of the application and you will receive a receipt; however, the payment is held in a hold account and released if the application is accepted. If the application is rejected the payment will be returned. Timescale for this depends on your bank/card provider.

A receipt is not conformation that you have a valid permit or that your application has been successful.

I don't currently receive renewal reminder letters/emails, how will I receive the information about transferring to MiPermit?

While the council do not need to send reminder letters, when a permit is due to expire; those customers who do not have email addresses will be sent their renewal letter by post.

When I have applied for a permit, how do I know whether my application has been accepted and whether it is active?

A notification email will be sent when the permit has been accepted and is active. You should not park before receiving notification. There is nothing to display in the vehicle when using digital permits. If your application is rejected, you will receive an email explaining the reasons why.

My existing paper permit does not expire until later in the year, is there anything I need to do now?

No, there is no action for you to take at present, you will receive a renewal letter/email when your existing permit is due to expire with details on how to apply for your permit digitally.

I am a blue badge holder and receive my first resident permit for free, how will this work?

You will be able to apply directly through MiPermit and the application process will guide you through what evidence is needed.

My paper permit does not expire until later in the year, but I have changed my vehicle, what do I do?

We will refund any full outstanding months on your paper permit (over £10.00) and then ask you to purchase a new digital permit via MiPermit digital system.

Can I still have more than one registration on my permit?

Digital permits are vehicle specific and like the paper permits can only have one active vehicle registration at a time. However, most permit types can have up to three vehicles registered to your MiPermit account.

I currently have a POOLCAR registration on my permit, can I still have this?

Digital permits are vehicle registration mark specific and can only be active on one vehicle at a time. However, you can change the registration on your permit to the vehicle you need to park. The MiPermit system can be updated at any time with different registrations and will therefore cater for multiple users instead of sharing the physical POOLCAR permit.   

We are aware of the way in which permits have been used in the past and appreciate that changing a system will not always suit every customer. We understand that you may have preferred the system we had historically had in place, however, adding POOLCAR or more than one registration is not how this system is designed and will no longer work.

How do I change a registration on my digital permit:

If you have more than one registration assigned to your MiPermit account. You can change a registration in a number of ways:

  • You can download the MiPermit app (opens new window) to your smart phone. Click the menu button (3 stacked horizontal lines) whilst logged in to reveal the permits option, select this and then edit, add in your new registration and save.
  • You can login to your MiPermit account (opens new window), and from the 'Manage Digital Permits' option select the season ticket and click on edit registrations. You will need to enter your vehicle registration mark and save.
  • You can call MiPermit on 0345 520 7007.
  • You can email: help@mipermit.com. Please note that if you email MiPermit it will not be updated immediately so the other options are preferable.

If you need to add a new VRM to your MiPermit account you can do this by logging in to your MiPermit account (opens new window), clicking on buy digital permits and then permit 'Vehicle Registration Changes'.

Can I still have additional resident permits

Priority is given to 1st permits and residents with no alternative parking, any additional permits will still only be allocated when there is capacity in the zone. Additional permits may be withdrawn should demand for 1st Resident Permits increase and we may write to you and ask you to return the additional permit to us.

I'm on a waiting list for a permit, how will I know when one becomes available?

Waiting lists continue to be managed by the Parking Services team and providing you have kept us up to date with your contact details, we will get in touch via email or letter in the post when a permit becomes available and advise you how to apply.

I have a healthcare permit which is valid across West Sussex Controlled Parking Zones. How will I renew or apply for the permit?

For now, until all Districts and Boroughs within West Sussex offer digital permits, paper Healthcare permits will continue to be issued in addition to the digital account. This will mean that in areas where digital permits are not yet available, a permit should still be displayed. The County Council will be rolling out digital permits across the rest of the county which will be staggered by an authority at a time.

When your purchase has been approved you will have a digital permit for use when parking within the CPZ in Chichester and you will also be sent a paper permit by post within 7 days of purchase which must be displayed in your vehicle when parking within the CPZ in other boroughs and districts within in West Sussex.

What's the easiest way to manage permits?

We encourage you to download the MiPermit app which is the easiest way to activate a resident visitor permit or change a registration. Currently the only thing you are unable to do is renew a permit on the app:

Who can I contact if I need assistance with a digital permit?

As MiPermit are providing the technical support for the digital permit system they are the ones who you will need to contact if you need assistance with your MiPermit account, payment, or digital permit.

You can contact MiPermit in a number of ways. By phone, email, or online contact form.

Please note that it may take up to 3 working days for MiPermit to respond to your email or contact form. They do however try to reply sooner than this.

 

Visitor Information

How will my visitors be able to park?

You will be able to purchase your visitor permits online through the Councils website via MiPermit, you will need to upload supporting evidence and will be able to enter your visitor's details onto the system.

If you do not have access to online facilities, please refer to the accessibility section.

If I have books of resident visitor permits can I still use these after July 2023 or once permits become digital?

Yes. If you still have resident visitor permits, these will be valid for use until they expire. even after July 2023 once the permits are digitalised. When you need more permits, you can then visit MiPermit (opens new window) to create your account and purchase a digital book.

How do I activate a Resident Visitor Permit (RVPs)?

You can active RVPs up to 7 days in advice of the time of the visitor parking. This can be done through MiPermit:

  • You can download the MiPermit app (opens new window) to your smart phone. Click the menu button (3 stacked horizontal lines) whilst logged in to reveal the permits option, select this and then edit and save.
  • You can login to your MiPermit account, (opens new window) and from the 'Manage Digital Permits' option select Visitor Permits. You will need to enter your visitors vehicle registration number and select the type of visitors permit to use (if you have various types), the date/time to activate the permit, and the duration required.
  • You can use a Text (SMS). If you have visitor permits to use on your account, you can send an SMS (text message) to 61600 with the following (examples): VISITOR     A123BCD    4hours.  This will allow your visitor in vehicle A123BCD park in your zone for 4 hours. Note that durations will be dependent on the permits you have purchased and permits you have access to. Please visit our Resident Visitor Permits page for all current prices.
  • You can call: 0345 520 7007. 

The team will ask questions to ensure the person is eligible to purchase resident visitor permits, e.g. ensuring they reside at the property and then take payment for the resident visitor permits and advise the customer how it works.

 

Accessibility

I would prefer not to use online services, what do I do?

The council understands that the permit scheme has operated for a long time using paper permits and that it may take time to get used to this new way of working. We are encouraging all customers to take advantage of using MiPermit and to feedback their views. Only under exceptional circumstances will applications be processed manually and at the discretion of the Parking Services Team.

How do I apply for a permit or renew my permit if I do not have access to a computer?

You can contact the council by telephone and a paper application will be sent to you which advises what supporting documents will need to be returned with the form (copies only). Once the application has been returned to the council you call MiPermit 5 days later to make payment for the permit. Please note postal applications can take longer to process.

How do I purchase resident visitor permits (RVPs) if I do not have online facilities?

You can ring MiPermit directly on 0345 520 7007 with your Council Tax account number to purchase your RVPs and they can activate the permit for you over the phone. If you are not listed on the Council Tax account the you can call the council on 01243 534500 and a paper application will be sent to you which advises what supporting documents will need to be returned with the form (copies only).  Once the application has been returned to the council you call MiPermit 5 days later to make payment for the RVPs. Please note postal applications can take longer to process.

 

Bay Suspensions

I need some parking bays suspended. How do I arrange that?

You will be able to apply for a bay suspension directly through MiPermit. The application process takes you through what you need to provide. Photo of area, location, dates, times and reason.

 

Dispensations

I am a tradesperson and I need a dispensation because I need to have my work vehicle close to where I am working, how do I purchase a dispensation?

You can apply for and purchase dispensations directly through MiPermit as this has been in place since June 2021.

 

Further queries

If you have read the FAQs and you still have questions, please visit Report a parking problem. On the eform please select 'Digital controlled parking zone queries'.

Alternately you can call 01243 534500 and speak to our Parking Services Customers Services Operators.

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