What is a dispensation?

On some occasions, vehicles need to park on yellow lines for the purpose of carrying out work in the near-by premises or when using on-vehicle machines. If continuous access to a vehicle is required, a dispensation may be obtained.  In most cases a charge is made for this service. The cost of a dispensation depends on the length of time it is needed.

What might a dispensation be issued for?

• Where it is necessary to identify a vehicle that is lawfully parked in a parking place without requiring that vehicle to display a valid resident permit or visitor voucher
• Where the council deems it appropriate to permit a vehicle to be parked in a parking place for a longer period of time than would normally be permitted; or
• AVDC deems it appropriate to permit a vehicle to be parked in a position that would not normally be lawful.

What is a bay suspension?

In certain circumstances parking places may be suspended by the council to allow certain activities to take place ie building work, road works or to place a skip. 

What is the difference between a dispensation and a bay Suspension?

A bay suspension is different from a dispensation.  A suspension is put in place to suspend the parking in a particular place at a particular time and only allows authorised vehicles to park within the suspended area.  A dispensation however allows a vehicle to park in an area that would otherwise be restricted in some way.

Additional information

• Dispensations will only be granted in exceptional or pressing circumstances and are not intended to provide convenience parking. Parking a van containing small hand tools or materials for the days work or a vehicle that carries workers to and from a site are considered convenience parking. The normal regulations for loading/unloading or setting down passengers already cover these eventualities. Generally speaking dispensation are only relevant to cope with major site deliveries which may take more than 20 minutes to handle or operating vehicle mounted plant.
• A dispensation is normally only granted for a single event on one day between predetermined hours. Under certain conditions they may be granted for up to 7 consecutive days at a specific location but for no longer. Further extensions will require new applications to be made in order for us to allow the parking, traffic and safety situation to be reviewed. 
• Each application must be accompanied by full payment, either by cheque or credit card as listed on the application form to cover the council's costs for investigation, the issue of the dispensation and inspection.  Unfortunately, we are unable to accept cash payments for this service.
• It will normally take at least 2 working days for a dispensation application to be processed.  Time should be added for delays caused by the post, Sundays or Bank Holidays. Genuine emergency situations may not be subject to the 2 working day notice period.

How do I apply for a parking dispensation or bay suspension?

You may apply for a dispensation or bay suspension by downloading the form at the bottom of the page and sending it to:

Parking Dispensations/Bay suspensions, PO Box 569, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 2ZW.

Alternatively you may phone our office on the number listed below and ask for an application form to be sent to you.

Fees

When applying for a dispensation a fee is applicable to cover the cost of investigation, the issuing of the dispensation and the inspection. 

Parking Dispensation Fees

Period for which dispensation is required	Fee
One day	£12
More than one day and up to one week	£20

Reasons that an application may be refused

If the vehicle that the application applies to

• Will cause an obstruction (or other on-street issues), where there is a loading restriction or other on-street restriction ie zigzags, school markings and dropped kerbs etc.
• Is able to park in a more viable area ie a near-by car park
• Has any outstanding Penalty Charge Notices
• And any other reason that the council feels is appropriate

Terms and Conditions

1. If approved, the discretionary permit (dispensation) will be issued and this must be clearly displayed on the dashboard in such a manner that all details on the front side can clearly be read by a Parking Attendant, Civil Enforcement Officer, Police Officer or PCSO.
2. Any alterations to the dispensation, without the authority of Parking Services, will automatically invalidate it.
3. The dispensation can only be used for the stated vehicle in connection with the purpose and at the location and during the periods applied for and approved.
4. Unless stated to the contrary on the dispensation, the vehicle must NOT be parked in a disabled person's bay, bays reserved for taxis, bus stops, in an area that is subject to a loading ban, on a footway or grass verge, on school entrance zigzags during effective hours or on pedestrian crossing zigzags or parked causing an obstruction.
5. The person responsible for the vehicle must move it if instructed to by a Parking Attendant, Civil Enforcement Officer, Police Officer or PCSO.
6. You are only permitted to park at or near the location stated on the dispensation.
7. If more than one location or more than one vehicle is required, a separate parking dispensation must be sought for each one.
8. A dispensation is granted on the understanding that any failure to comply with its conditions may result in a penalty charge being served on the vehicle under the terms of the 1991 Road Traffic Act (This will change to the Traffic Management Act 2004 on 31st March 2008).

 

Date Updated: 17/03/08