Charity parking permit

Charity permits are only available to registered charities that are based within Waltham Forest and are registered with the Charities Commission.  Non-profit organisations don't qualify as a charity. The vehicle must be used to carry out work duties as permits will not be issued for commuter purposes

Parking permits are now virtual which means there’s no need to display a permit in your vehicle.

Civil enforcement officers can check which vehicles have a valid permit using the vehicle registration number.

Permits are single vehicle specific and not transferable between vehicles.

This permit is zone specific.

Changes and refund fees

• Change of VRM: Free of charge
• Change of Address: £15
• Refund: £20

Zero CO2 emissions

The council reserves the right to check applications for vehicles with zero CO2 emissions. 

DVLA records may say your vehicle has zero emissions when it actually isn’t a zero emissions vehicle. The only zero emissions vehicles currently on the market are full electric vehicles (EV). Where this occurs, permit prices will be based on vehicle engine size.

We may apply additional price increases if incorrect information was provided at application stage.

Applicants will need to provide proof of registration and charity house address. If you apply you will also be asked to justify your need for a permit. Please also include a copy of your vehicle insurance, showing that you are covered for ‘business use’

Proof of establishment

• A letter on headed paper signed by senior officer confirming your home address, employment and use of the vehicle
• A charity registration number should also be supplied

Waltham Forest Council retains the right to carry out random checks on permits in order to check the information supplied in the application.

You should receive contact one working day from the day you submit your application unless your application needs further information or approval. Your charity parking permit should be delivered the next working day after payment has been received.

Postal applications require payment to be supplied with an application form in order to be processed. Payment should be made by cheque or postal order that is made payable to 'LBWF'. Please do not send cash through the post.

Please allow 10 days for your permit to be issued if you apply by post.

Please note: failure to include payment with your application will add significant delays to the process of issuing your permit.

Download Charity parking permit application form (PDF file)

To get an application form sent to you by post, contact our permit team by email wfpshop@nsl.co.uk or call them on 0203 092 0112, option 3 for assistance. Tell us your full name and postal address, and an application form will be sent to you the next working day.

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 7pm (closed on public holidays)

You can also drop off permit application forms at the following libraries:

• North Chingford Library
• Walthamstow Library
• Leyton Library
• Leytonstone Library

This is a drop off service and your applications will not be checked by a member of library staff. You must include documents of proof and payment with your application form.

If you need a postal application form, or this permit doesn't meet your needs please contact our permit team by email wfpshop@nsl.co.uk or call them on 0203 092 0112, option 3 for assistance.

Please ensure you renew your permit before it expires. The responsibility for renewals rests with the permit holder.

Please also note:

• if fraudulent applications are detected or if terms of use are breached this permit will not be valid and my vehicle will be subject to enforcement action
• information on this form may be used by the council in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 (as amended) and it may be passed within the council or to other agencies in order to help prevent fraud
• submission of the permit application form is confirmation that you agree to its terms and conditions of use
• permits can only be issued to vehicles that do not exceed 2.3 meters in height or 5.25 meters in length
• the permit is only valid on vehicles with a current road fund licence
• it is the users’ responsibility to ensure that the permit is clearly displayed on the vehicle associated with the permit. Any vehicle not displaying a valid permit may be issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
• permits will not be issued to customers with outstanding unchallenged Penalty Charge Notices (PCN’s)
• the issue of a permit does not guarantee the user a parking space
• the council has the right to suspend parking bays at any time

You should let us know if:

• you change a vehicle and are in possession of a valid permit
• you lose your permit or it’s been stolen

If you change a vehicle during the validity of the existing permit you must surrender that permit, complete a further application form and pay the appropriate fee. You can register a change of vehicle using the online form or alternatively you can register by post by downloading a charity parking permit application form (PDF file) and sending it with evidence to the Parking Control Office.

If your permit is lost or stolen it will be immediately rendered invalid. You will need to report this, complete an application form and pay the appropriate fee for a replacement permit. You will be asked to provide the crime reference number supplied by the police. You can post it by downloading a charity parking permit application form and sending it to the Parking Control office.

This permit is only valid in the zone stated on the permit.

Charity permits are not valid in: 

• emergency service bays
• market traders bays (MT)
• catering bays (CAT)
• short stay bays
• Pay and Display or PayByPhone bays
• car parks
• bays designated for a specific reasons (for example: loading bays) or any parking bay that has been suspended
• or on yellow lines.