Parking
Parking suspension and dispensation for moving in London
Secure a parking space for a smooth move
We help arrange parking suspensions and dispensations with your local council, ensuring smooth access for our vehicles and preventing fines or delays on moving day.
Securing parking bays for your move
When relocating in London, it’s essential to secure a parking spot for the moving truck or van, whether it’s for a household move or an office relocation.
Securing a suspension ensures your moving van has a guaranteed, unobstructed space on the day — avoiding last-minute stress or delays.
Secure parking
This ensures a designated space is reserved for the moving van outside or near your home, which is crucial in London, where parking is often limited and highly competitive.
Avoiding Fines
Unauthorised parking in restricted bays or streets can result in hefty fines or even the towing of your vehicle. By arranging a parking suspension, you can avoid penalties and enjoy peace of mind on moving day.
Loading and Unloading
With a reserved space, you reduce the distance needed to carry your belongings, making the process quicker and easier for you and the movers. It also helps in loading and unloading, decreasing the chances of damage to your items or causing inconvenience to others.
Minimizing Disruptions
Having a spot reserved prevents others from occupying it during your move ensuring that the process goes smoothly without delays or interruptions. This is especially vital, on bustling London streets where traffic congestion and limited parking're common challenges.
Parking suspensions
It temporarily removes parking rights in a designated area or bay.
- Used when a parking space needs to be kept clear, e.g. for:
- Roadworks or utility works
- Removals or deliveries
- Special events
- Signage is placed to notify drivers that parking is not allowed during the suspension
- Applies to everyone, including permit holders and pay-and-display users.
- Enforced by penalties (PCNs) if someone parks during the suspension.
Parking dispensation
It is a special temporary permission to park in restricted areas that you usually couldn’t.
- Allows parking in areas usually prohibited (e.g., yellow lines, residents-only zones).
- Granted for specific purposes, such as:
- Tradespeople doing work at a property
- Film crews
- Utility company access
- May be subject to conditions, like a time limit or vehicle type.
- Usually involves a fee and an application process.
- It doesn't override safety restrictions (e.g., it can't allow parking on zig-zags or near junctions).
Parking suspension vs. dispensation. Which one do you need?
Many customers ask which option is right for their move — here’s how they differ and when each applies.
Parking suspension
A suspension reserves a specific parking bay — for example, directly outside your home at numbers 32–34. It ensures that space is kept clear for your moving van, so you don’t have to search for a spot or risk parking penalties.
Parking dispensation
A dispensation allows you to park on a restricted road (for example, on single or double yellow lines, or even a red route, if approved) when no controlled parking bay is available outside your property. It allows you to park legally on a restricted road near your property when no bays are available.
In short, a suspension guarantees a reserved bay, while a dispensation lets you park temporarily where bays aren’t available — for example, on yellow or red lines, wherever you can find a suitable space.
To streamline the process of obtaining parking suspension information and making applications, refer to the list below for direct access to individual council websites.
This lets you conveniently gather details about parking suspension fees, application deadlines, and the option to apply online through the relevant council’s platform.
Find your local council and plan your domestic removal with confidence.
5 working days notice is required
Phone 0208 359 7446 - lines are open Monday to Thursday 9 am to 5.15 pm
and Friday 9 am to 5 pm
Parking Suspension and Dispensation
3 working days notice is required
Parking Suspension and Dispensation
3 working days notice is required
You need to book at least 17 days in advance of the start date. While we cannot guarantee a space, this will allow for a warning period, meaning it is more likely to be available.
Late bookings (less than 17 days) may incur a short notice charge, and the minimum period to book is 3 days in advance.
We need 5 working days to process a parking bay suspension and 3 working days for a parking dispensation.
Phone – 020 7332 1548
Parking Suspension and Dispensation
we need a minimum of 5 working days prior to the required date.
Applications made at least:
- Seven working days before the suspension starts – £39 per bay, per day
- Three working days before the suspension starts – £50 per bay, per day.
Phone – 020 8825 6677
Parking Suspension and Dispensation
Applications should be made at least 10 working days before the date the suspension is needed.
Admin fees will apply to changes, including cancellations, made at least 5 working days before the suspension date.
Phone: 020 3856 0036
you have to apply at least 10 working days in advance.
Cost:
Non-refundable administration fee on all approved suspension applications: £62.00
Charge per bay per day £62.00
All applications must be received at least 7 working days before the date you want the suspension to start.
Moving in Hammersmith and Fulham
- Up to six bays for up to three days (8 days notice)
- Up to six bays for more than three days (2 weeks notice)
Applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the date you require the suspension to start.
The parking suspension application process takes a minimum of 5 working days.
The parking suspension application process takes a minimum of 7 working days.
Telephone: 01895 250633 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
A parking waiver charge is set at £20 per day, per vehicle.
10 working days notice is required
14 working days notice is required.
For single-use short stay parking bays, the notice period is 7 days.
Moving in Kensington and Chelsea
14 working days notice is required for residents bay
3 working days notice is required for pay-by-phone bay
Parking suspensions and dispensations
5 working days notice is required
10 working days notice is required
5 working days notice is required
7 working days notice is required
10 working days notice is required
7 working days notice is required
7 working days notice is required
| All suspensions admin fee | £150.10 |
| Category 1 – A1, A2, CB (Byfeld Gardens Only), H, KS, M1, T (Bridgeman Road, Cedar Road, Christchurch Avenue, and Station Road part only), Z1, Z2, Z3, Z5 | £49.60 |
| Category 2 – A3, B, C, CB, CR, D, F, FW, G, HM, KC, M3, M4, M5, M8, M9, N, S, S1, S2, SH, SH/WT, T1, T5, WR, WT, X | £31.80 |
| Category 3 – B1, B2, E, ES, ES1, J, KA, KB, M, S3, T, T2, T3, T4, WC, WS, X1, Z4 | £12.70 |
7 working days’ notice is required
Parking place suspensions are charged at £48.10 per day per one-car space (5 metres).
A one-off £84.30 admin fee (non-refundable) is also charged regardless of the number of days requested for suspension.
7 working days notice is required
There is a £106.70 administration fee for suspensions.
Funerals and domestic removals are free.
A bay suspension costs £32.00 per bay/per day. Unrestricted highway costs £21.30 per 100m/per day
Parking bay suspensions and dispensations
7 working days’ notice is required
A limited suspension service is also available to residents for special circumstances, such as moving house. These suspensions are subject to a service charge, but there is no bay charge for up to two bays for one day.
10 working days’ notice is required
Parking suspensions (per 5 metre bay) are £90 per day plus a £110 application fee.
7 working days notice is required
10 working days notice is required
For general suspensions, the council operates a four-tiered charging system, depending on the duration of the suspension. The charges also differ depending on location between £51-£55 per space. Where not delineated on-street, a ‘space’ is considered five metres long.
Parking dispensations allow you to park on a single yellow line (or in special cases, double yellow lines)
By referring to your council’s website, you can obtain accurate and up-to-date details regarding parking suspensions in each London Borough, making it convenient for you to apply for the necessary permits.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions about parking suspensions and dispensations in London
Do I need to arrange parking for a moving van?
Yes, always. Without a reserved space, your movers may face delays, fines, or have to park a considerable distance from your property. Securing parking ensures smoother loading and unloading, especially in restricted zones.
How far in advance should I apply for a parking suspension?
Apply 5–10 working days before your move.
Central boroughs, such as Westminster, Camden, and Kensington & Chelsea, often require 7–10 days, while outer areas, including Harrow, Ealing, and Hillingdon, typically require 3–5 days.
How many bays do I need for my van?
For one 3.5t MaxiMover van, we require two parking bays.
If your move involves two vans, please secure three bays directly outside your property if possible.
Can I reserve a parking space without a permit, just block the road with bins?
You may attempt it, but it’s not legally permitted or reliable. Blocking public spaces with bins, cones, or signs without prior council approval can result in penalties or removal by enforcement officers and may still be taken by other drivers. It’s risky and doesn’t guarantee parking availability.
Always apply for an official parking suspension or dispensation instead.
Where do I apply for a parking suspension or dispensation?
Each London borough has its own parking suspension or dispensation page, from where you can apply directly.
👉 Scroll up to our complete list of London councils and direct application links to apply online.