Parking waivers - suspensions and dispensations

Suspensions

Suspensions are when specific parking bays are suspended from normal use. This is to allow vehicles to park for an agreed purpose. An example of this could be a large parking bay required for a house move.

While we are able to serve Penalty Charge Notices (PCN’s) to any parked vehicle not included in the terms the suspension, we are not able to remove it from the bay.

Dispensations

Dispensations are where a specific vehicle is allowed to park in a bay or on a yellow line for a defined period of time. This is done without the need for a suspension.

Dispensations will not normally be granted where there are loading restrictions or on clearways. An example of this could be a glazier’s van that needs to be parked on a single yellow line outside a property to install new windows.

Who can apply

Anyone who wants to park in a restricted parking area can apply for permission.

Your application must show:

  • there is a valid reason for the request
  • there are no reasonable alternatives for parking
  • your request will not cause a safety or traffic issue

Placing a skip on the highway will also require a bay suspension as well as a skip licence. For more information, see our roads and highways licences page.

When to apply

Whenever possible, you should apply at least five working days before the date you want it to start. 

Applications received within five working days will be considered but cannot be guaranteed. A late-notice supplement will also apply.

How to apply

Email the below information to our Parking Services team.

  • the reason for the dispensation
  • the location (property number or landmark)
  • type of parking restriction
  • number of dispensations required
  • vehicle registration number for each dispensation
  • start and end date
  • if weekends are included or excluded
  • number of bays required.
  • please note - one bay is approximately five metres in length. A removals vehicle for example would require three bays.

You need to make sure the vehicle fits into the bay or bays completely. A PCN will be issued if the vehicle is parked dangerously or illegally.

Fees and charges

Trade permits

  • £10 per day per vehicle

Suspensions/dispensations

  • £15 per day per bay
  • late-notice supplement – 3-5 working days additional £10
  • late-notice supplement – under 3 working days additional £20

If you lose a monthly dispensation permit

If a permit is lost, and it had a vehicle registration mark on it, please contact us for a replacement. There will be a £10 administrative charge.

Where no vehicle registration mark is on the permit, no refund will be given.

If you no longer need the waiver

There will be no refund for daily or weekly waivers cancelled once they have started.

If a monthly waiver is cancelled after it has stated, a pro rata refund will be issued. This is calculated using any remainder full weeks left, minus a £10 administrative fee. 

Additional terms and conditions

  • suspension of a bay does not guarantee that the parking spaces or spaces will be vacant
  • payment in full must be received by Parking Services prior to any dispensation or suspension date
  • refunds will only be issued in cases where the signs and cones were not placed as requested
  • if you experience any problems on the day of the suspension please call our parking services team.
Parking Services

Development and Environment

North Somerset Council

Town Hall

Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UJ

  • Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm
  • Saturday and Sunday closed.

Regent Street bollard

The on-street bollard on Regent Street at the junction of High Street may be lowered with parking services authorisation.

The conditions are: 

  • access can only be granted between 8am and 10am daily unless for emergency works; all vehicles must vacate the area outside of these times
  • the bollard will only be lowered if there is no other suitable alternative and will not be lowered for everyday type deliveries.
  • 48 hours' notice (not including weekends) is required for the bollard to be lowered, as well as a payment of £30 in advance by contacting parking services on 01934 888 030, using option 3

The area remains a pedestrian zone with a maximum speed limit of 5mph. Pedestrians have priority at all times, with access being granted via Walliscote road heading west.

Please note, this section of Regent Street has no access from 12 midday to 12 midnight.