Digital Controlled Parking Zones

General information

• Why is West Sussex County Council moving away from paper permits to digital permits?
• Who will be providing this digital service?
• How will a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) know if I have a permit?
• Will the CEOs still be able to enforce?

Permit information

• Do I need to register for a digital permit account now?
• I already have a MiPermit account, what do I do?
• How does the application process work for digital permits?
• How will I purchase my on-street parking permit?
• Why do I pay when I apply?
• How will I receive the information about transferring to MiPermit?
• How do I know whether my application has been accepted and whether it is active?
• My existing paper permit does not expire until later in the year, is there anything I need to do now?
• I am a blue badge holder and receive my first resident permit for free, how will this work?
• My paper permit does not expire until later in the year, but I have changed my vehicle, what do I do?
• Can I still have more than one registration on my permit?
• I currently have a POOLCAR registration on my permit, can I still have this?
• How do I change a registration on my digital permit?
• Can I still have additional resident permits?
• I'm on a waiting list for a permit, how will I know when one becomes available?
• I have a healthcare permit which is valid across West Sussex Controlled Parking Zones. How will I renew or apply for the permit?
• What's the easiest way to manage permits?
• Who can I contact if I need assistance with a digital permit?

Visitor information

• How will my visitors be able to park?
• If I have books of resident visitor permits, can I still use these after July 2023 or once permits become digital?
• How do I activate a resident visitor permit (RVPs)?

Accessibility

• I would prefer not to use online services, what do I do?
• How do I apply for a permit or renew my permit if I do not have access to a computer?
• How do I purchase resident visitor permits (RVPs) if I do not have online facilities?

Bay Suspensions

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

Dispensations

• I am a tradesperson and I need a dispensation?

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:

• You can download the MiPermit app (opens new window) to your smart phone.
• You can login to your MiPemit account. (opens new window).
• You can call MiPermit on 0345 520 7007. 
• You can email: help@mipermit.com. Please note that it may take up to 3 working days for MiPermit to respond to your email. They do however try to reply sooner than this. If your request is urgent please call them on 0345 520 7007.

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.

• Telephone: 0345 5207007
• Email:  help@mipermit.com
• Online contact form: MiPermit contact eform (opens new window)

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.

FAQ

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.