What are parking permits?

Parking permits are sold for use in our Controlled Parking Zones by residents, businesses, market traders and visitors. Permits are also sold to doctors for use on reserved bays throughout the Borough. It should be noted that permits will not be issued to a vehicle that has outstanding unchallenged parking penalties.

All fees quoted for permits are per permit per vehicle, where fees relate to the emission rating of a vehicle. If the emission rating of a vehicle is not known the vehicle will be categorised by its engine capacity.

How do I find out what roads are within our controlled parking zones?

You can search for your address using the interactive map by entering your postcode/address or:

» View a list of roads within the controlled parking zones (151KB PDF file)

Is a Controlled Parking Zone/Residents Permit Parking Scheme proposed in my area?

If a public consultation is already in progress details can be found on traffic schemes. Council Policy is that Residents Permit Parking Schemes are introduced only in areas where public consultation has been carried out and a majority of responses are in favour. Residents wishing to request a scheme in a new area should write to: Public Realm, Waltham Forest Council, Low Hall, Argall Avenue, London E10 7AS; email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk ; or phone 020 8496 3000 - ask for Traffic Team.

Who is entitled to apply for a residents parking permit?

Resident parking permits may only be used by persons who are registered at an address within a controlled parking zone and their vehicle must also be registered to the same address. If it is a company car then documentary proof must be supplied.

Permits can only be issued to vehicles that do not exceed 2.3 metres in height or 5.25 metres in length.

How do I apply?

You will need to complete an application form and provide proof of residency and vehicle ownership.

» See application forms for parking permits

Proof of residency

You must provide two documents (dated within the last three months) with your name and current address on. For example:

  • Utility bill (gas, electricity, telephone)
  • Rent book or lease agreement
  • Bank statement
  • Driving licence/car insurance
  • Building Society account

Mobile Phone bills not acceptable.

Proof of vehicle ownership

Annual permit
Vehicle’s registration document showing your own name and address within a controlled parking zone

Temporary one month permit
Vehicle registration document showing the previous address with documentary proof that you have moved into the zone

Company vehicle
Letter on printed company letterhead (with VAT number) confirming:

  • Your residence
  • Employment status within the company
  • That you are a major user of the vehicle

A copy of the vehicle rental or lease agreement

How much does a residents permit cost?

This will depend on what controlled parking zone you live in the borough, how many cars you have, size of the engine and/or amount of C02 emission. See controlled parking zones permit charges.

Where do I return my application form to?

You can return your application by post or in person. Please ensure that only photo copies of proof of residence and vehicle ownership are sent to:

NSL Parking Shop
Unit 9
The Alpha Business Centre
60 South Grove
Walthamstow, E17 7NX

Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 7am-7pm
Sat 9am-1pm

Telephone enquiries: 0845 331 2392 and select Option 3

All cheques/postal orders must be made payable to the London Borough of Waltham Forest

Businesses and charities parking permits

Business parking permits are available to anyone who works at a business address within one of other zones and entitles the permit holder to park in a parking bay in the area covered by their permit (zone).

Charity permits are available to anyone working at a registered charity which has an address within one of our zones and entitles the permit holder to park in a parking bay in the area covered by their permit (zone).

The permits are not valid in market traders bays (MT) or catering bays (CAT) and can only be used in the zone they were issued. See controlled parking zones business and charities permit charges

Who is entitled to an essential user permit?

» See essential user parking permits

Where can I purchase a visitor permit?

You can purchase a visitor's permit at:

NSL Parking Shop
Unit 9
The Alpha Business Centre
60 South Grove
Walthamstow, E17 7NX

Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 7am-7pm
Sat 9am-1pm

Telephone enquiries: 0845 331 2392 and select Option 3

» See visitor parking permits

Where can I purchase parking permits?

All permits can be purchased from:

NSL Parking Shop
Unit 9
The Alpha Business Centre
60 South Grove
Walthamstow, E17 7NX

Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 7am-7pm
Sat 9am-1pm

Telephone enquiries: 0845 331 2392 and select Option 3

Parking vouchers and visitors permits for the Leytonstone CPZ (LSE/LSW/LNS/LNN/WXS areas only) can also be purchased from Leytonstone Library

» See controlled parking zones permit charges

How do I change my permit?

If you change your vehicle you must surrender that permit to NSL Parking Shop, obtain a further application form and pay the appropriate fee.

All permit transactions take place at:

NSL Parking Shop
Unit 9
The Alpha Business Centre
60 South Grove
Walthamstow, E17 7NX

Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 7am-7pm
Sat 9am-1pm

Telephone enquiries: 0845 331 2392 and select Option 3

How do I replace a lost or stolen permit?

A replacement may be issued for any lost or stolen permit, but the original permit is immediately rendered invalid, you must provide police crime reference number.

All permit transactions take place at:

NSL Parking Shop
Unit 9
The Alpha Business Centre
60 South Grove
Walthamstow, E17 7NX

Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 7am-7pm
Sat 9am-1pm

Telephone enquiries: 0845 331 2392 and select Option 3

How do I get a permit refund?

Permit holders can be reimbursed on a pro-rata basis for each full month still to run on the permit i.e. if an annual permit was purchased on the 1 March and returned for refund on the 25 May the refund would be 9/12 of the fee paid less administrative charges as there would be 9 full months still to run on the permit. Additionally for an administration fee a permit can be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same party. Please note that refunds are applied for with a cheque being sent to the permit holder.

Please note there are no refunds on visitor permits.

All permit transactions take place at:

NSL Parking Shop
Unit 9
The Alpha Business Centre
60 South Grove
Walthamstow, E17 7NX

Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 7am-7pm
Sat 9am-1pm

Telephone enquiries: 0845 331 2392 and select Option 3

Do I need a permit on bank holidays?

During bank holidays the bays within the controlled parking zone do not require permits.

How can I find out my vehicle's C02 emissions?

If your vehicle was first registered on or after 1 March 2001 you will find this information on your vehicle registration document/certificate, also known as the Logbook or alternatively contact the DVLA.

Where can I park my motorcycle?

Motorcycles are not required to pay to park in Waltham Forest Council car-parks and in on-street parking bays; and do not need to display permits, vouchers or Pay and Display tickets.

Motorcycles cannot park in bays reserved for the Disabled, Doctors, Taxis, Buses, Car Clubs, Catering, Market Traders, Loading and Emergency Service Vehicles.  

All other restrictions apply to motorcycles including footway parking.

It is not permitted to lock your motorcycle to street furniture.

Can I use my disabled person's blue badge in a controlled parking zone?

In Waltham Forest a correctly displayed valid blue badge can be used in bays reserved for permit holders with the exception of those bays highlighted for market traders (MT) and catering staff (CAT). In the permit bays you are not required to display your blue clock.

Please note this is a local concession and may not apply in other boroughs.

How do I apply for a temporary permit for a courtesy car while my car is being repaired?

You will need to attend NSL Parking Shop with:

  • Details of current permit
  • Paper work providing use of courtesy car

Compliment slips will be supplied, free of charge, for up to one month or the life of the current permit which ever is the lesser.

If the car with the actual permit is not back in use after the expiry of the compliment slip then there is a charge of £10 to transfer the permit to the courtesy car and £10 to transfer it back once your own vehicle is back in use.

NSL Parking Shop
Unit 9
The Alpha Business Centre
60 South Grove
Walthamstow, E17 7NX

Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 7am-7pm
Sat 9am-1pm

Telephone enquiries: 0845 331 2392 and select Option 3

Contact us

Public Realm
Environment and Regeneration
Low Hall
Argall Avenue
London E10 7AS

Tel 020 8496 3000
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk