Parking guide
Parking suspension and dispensation in London
Safe, legal space for your removal van on moving day. How suspensions and dispensations work, and what each London council charges.
5-star rated
Consistently highly rated on Google, Trustpilot, and Removal Reviews
Triple Award Winner 2026
Three 2026 Consumer Care Awards from the NGRS and the Removals Industry Ombudsman.
Established since 2011
Over 15 years of removals and man and van work across Greater London
Fixed-price quotes
Written and itemised after a free video survey or a home visit, valid for 30 days. No changes on the day.
Why it matters
Why parking matters on moving day in London
Securing legal parking for your removal van is one of the most important steps in planning a London move. In busy residential streets and permit-controlled zones, arriving without a reserved space can mean penalty charge notices, moving the van mid-job, or carrying furniture 50 metres further than necessary, adding time and cost to your day.
With 15 years of daily moves across Greater London, we can tell you exactly what is needed for your street, your borough and your move date.
- The van parks right outside your door
- No penalty charge notices on the day
- No long carries down the street
- Space reserved and signed by the council
Know the difference
Understanding the difference: suspension vs dispensation
Both let a removal van park legally on moving day, but only a suspension keeps the space free for you.
Parking suspension
A suspension reserves specific bays on the road for the exclusive use of the removal van. The council puts up “No Parking” signs a few days before, so the space outside your door is kept free.
Best for: busy residential streets with permit-only parking.
Space needed: two standard bays (about 10 metres) for one 3.5t Maxi Mover van, so we can use the loading ramp safely. Three bays for two vans.
We recommend a suspension wherever possible.
Parking dispensation
A dispensation is a permit that lets the van park where it normally could not, such as on a single yellow line or in a restricted bay, without reserving a specific space.
Best for: short loading windows, or streets without marked bays.
The result: no penalty charge notice, but there is no guarantee the space will be free when we arrive.
Key facts
London parking at a glance
Every council sets its own rules, so check your borough below. These are the points that apply to almost every London move.
01
Notice periods
From 3 working days to 17 days, depending on the council. Most ask for 7 to 10 working days, so apply as soon as your move date is fixed.
02
Council fees
Bay fees range from around £12 to £90 per bay, per day, and many councils add an admin fee. Some charge less for a home move.
03
Space needed
Two bays (about 10 metres) for one 3.5t Maxi Mover van. Three bays (about 15 metres) for two vans parked close together.
04
ULEZ and LEZ
All our vehicles are fully ULEZ and LEZ compliant, so the only parking cost on your move is the council’s fee.
Parking help
Arrange it yourself, or let us apply
Many of our customers arrange their own parking suspension. If you do, we can check and tell you how many bays to book and the deadline for your council.
If you prefer, we can apply on your behalf. The fee is set by the council and cannot be changed, and we add it to your quote at cost.
Not sure what your street needs? Ask for a free quote or call us on 0800 080 7476.
Borough guide
Parking suspension fees and notice periods by London borough (2026)
Each council sets its own fees, notice periods and application process. Find your borough for the current figures and a link to apply. Some councils charge less for a home move, and we show this where it applies.
Barking and Dagenham
Notice: At least 5 working days
Admin fee: £33.90
Bay fee: £151.60 per bay, per day (or £453.60 per week)
Fees are not refunded if you cancel or change dates.
Barnet
Always check the current notice period and fees on the council’s website.
Bexley
Notice: At least 3 working days
Admin fee: None listed
Bay fee: £50 per bay, per day (or £150 per week)
Up to 5 bays for up to 14 days.
Brent
Notice: At least 7 working days
Admin fee: None
Bay fee: £67 per bay, per day when you apply 14 or more days ahead
Applications made less than 14 days ahead cost an extra £133.
Apply on the Brent council website
Moving here? Read our Brent moving guide.
Bromley
Notice: At least 3 working days
Admin fee: £30 per application
Bay fee: £40 per bay, per day
Camden
Notice: At least 17 days (calendar days), with a minimum of 3
Admin fee: £66.66 per suspension
Bay fee: £79.63 per space for 1 day, or £87.61 per space, per day for 2 to 5 days
Moving home: no space charge on the first day for up to 3 spaces, and no short-notice charge. The admin fee still applies.
Short-notice charge for other bookings: £349.81.
Apply on the Camden council website
Moving here? Read our Camden moving guide.
City of London
Notice: 6 working days, with payment at least 3 working days before
Admin fee: Included in the first bay fee
Bay fee: £485 for the first bay, £39 for each extra bay, plus a £51 daily service charge
Apply by phone on 020 7332 1548.
Croydon
Notice: At least 10 working days
Admin fee: £46 for residents (£57 for businesses)
Bay fee: Residents: £46 per day in central CPZ bays, £35 per day in other bays. Businesses: £68 and £57.
Apply by email to parkingsuspension@croydon.gov.uk.
Ealing
Always check the current notice period and fees on the council’s website.
Moving here? Read our Ealing moving guide.
Enfield
Always check the current notice period and fees on the council’s website.
Greenwich
Notice: 10 working days
Admin fee: £66.40 (non-refundable)
Bay fee: £66.40 per bay, per day
Moving home: for a house removal, a second bay is free on the first day.
Hackney
Notice: At least 7 working days
Admin fee: £100
Bay fee: £44 per bay, per day
Moving home: reduced bay fee on the first day for up to 3 bays. For 3 bays or fewer for one day, only the admin fee applies.
Late applications cost an extra £161.
Hammersmith & Fulham
Notice: 8 days (weekends count)
Admin fee: None (£40 for each change or cancellation)
Bay fee: £48 per space, per day for the first 5 days, then £74
Apply on the Hammersmith & Fulham council website
Moving here? Read our Hammersmith & Fulham moving guide.
Haringey
Notice: At least 2 weeks
Admin fee: £280
Bay fee: £80 per space, per day
Harrow
Notice: More than 10 working days for the lowest admin fee
Admin fee: £60 (more than 10 working days), £120 (3 to 10 working days) or £178 (under 3), non-refundable
Bay fee: £37 (central), £23 (district) or £11.50 (local) per bay, per day
Apply on the Harrow council website
Moving here? Read our Harrow moving guide.
Havering
Always check the current notice period and fees on the council’s website.
Hillingdon
Notice: 7 working days for permit and shared-use bays, 5 for pay and display and loading bays
Admin fee: None listed
Bay fee: £48.50 per space, per day
Changes within 7 days of the start cost £48.50.
Apply on the Hillingdon council website
Moving here? Read our Hillingdon moving guide.
Hounslow
Notice: At least 10 working days
Admin fee: £40
Bay fee: £25 per space, per day
Apply on the Hounslow council website
Moving here? Read our Hounslow moving guide.
Islington
Notice: 14 days (10 days for Pay By Phone bays)
Admin fee: Day 1 costs £164.80 for as many spaces as you need
Bay fee: £62.25 per space on day 2, then £67.50 per space, per day
Moving home: the council may let you park outside your home free of charge to move, with conditions.
Late applications may cost an extra £100, at the council’s discretion.
Apply on the Islington council website
Moving here? Read our Islington moving guide.
Kensington & Chelsea
Notice: 10 working days for permit bays, 2 working days for pay-by-phone bays
Admin fee: None
Bay fee: £82 per space, per day (days 1 to 5)
Express applications (5 working days’ notice or less) cost an extra £408, at the council’s discretion.
Apply on the Kensington & Chelsea council website
Moving here? Read our Kensington & Chelsea moving guide.
Kingston upon Thames
Notice: No minimum stated. Phone 034 5319 9636 if your start date is within 5 days.
Admin fee: None (£15 on refunds)
Bay fee: Most areas: £41 per space, per day with more than a week’s notice, £61.60 with less. Town centre: £61.60 and £82.10.
Lambeth
Notice: 10 working days or more
Admin fee: £98.83 (non-refundable)
Bay fee: £57.55 per space, per day
Short notice (6 to 9 working days) costs an extra £68.77. Express (2 to 5 working days) costs an extra £156.31.
Lewisham
Notice: At least 5 working days
Admin fee: £62 per application
Bay fee: £62 per resident permit bay, or £56 per pay-to-park or shared-use bay, per day
Merton
Notice: At least 10 full working days
Admin fee: £36.75 (non-refundable)
Bay fee: £36.75 per bay on day 1, then £40 per bay, per day
Newham
Notice: 10 working days
Admin fee: £25
Bay fee: £23 per bay, per day
Applications with less notice may be rejected.
Redbridge
Notice: Allow at least 7 working days (the council decides within 7)
Admin fee: £55
Bay fee: £55 per 5 metre space, per day
Richmond upon Thames
Notice: Allow at least 10 working days
Admin fee: £160.80
Bay fee: £13.60 to £53.10 per bay, per day, depending on the area
Southwark
Notice: 7 days
Admin fee: £93 (non-refundable)
Bay fee: £53.15 per space, per day
Sutton
Notice: At least 7 working days
Admin fee: £112 (the council says funerals and domestic removals are free)
Bay fee: £40 per bay, per day
Tower Hamlets
Notice: 7 working days (10 for more than 2 weeks or more than 10 spaces)
Admin fee: £200 (non-refundable)
Bay fee: £90 per bay, per day (from 21 September 2026)
Moving home: no bay charge for up to two bays for one day. A service charge still applies.
Emergency suspensions cost an extra £200.
Waltham Forest
Notice: No minimum stated. The council aims to put signs up 5 to 7 days before.
Admin fee: £120 application fee (non-refundable)
Bay fee: £100 per space for each extra day
Moving home: a one-day home move pays the £120 application fee only.
Wandsworth
Notice: At least 7 clear working days
Admin fee: £93.20 with 7 working days’ notice, or £82.20 with 10
Bay fee: £43.40 on day 1, then £35.20 per day
Westminster
Notice: 10 working days
Admin fee: None
Bay fee: Day 1: £51 (zones A, C, D) or £55 (zones B, E, F, G). Days 2 to 5: £55 or £59.
Applications within 10 calendar days of the start cost an extra £20.
Apply on the Westminster council website
Moving here? Read our Westminster moving guide.
Please note: these notice periods and fees are a general guide, checked against each council’s website in October 2026. Councils can change their charges at any time, so always check the final cost and notice period with your council before booking. Best London Removals cannot be held responsible for changes to council charges or for applications refused because they were made too late.
FAQs
Parking suspension and dispensation FAQs when moving in London
Quick answers to the parking questions we are asked most. If your street is tricky, call us and we will talk it through.
Have questions about your move? Our team is here to help. No jargon, no fuss, just clear advice and quick responses.
Need help fast? Message us on WhatsApp for quick answers, updates, or support with your upcoming move.
What is a parking suspension and why do I need one?
A parking suspension reserves specific roadside bays for a set period, marked with “No Parking” signs put up by the council. For most residential moves in London it is the best way to make sure our removal van can park directly outside your property, avoiding delays, long carries and penalty charge notices on moving day.
What is the difference between a suspension and a dispensation?
A suspension reserves named bays so no other vehicle can use them. A dispensation allows our vehicle to park in a restricted area, such as a single yellow line or a resident bay, without receiving a fine, but it does not guarantee the space will be free when we arrive.
We recommend a suspension wherever possible.
Do I need to arrange parking, or will Best London Removals do it?
You can do either. Many customers arrange their own suspension, and we can check and tell you how many bays to book and the deadline for your council.
If you prefer, we can apply on your behalf. Just let us know when you book, and we will add the council’s fee to your quote at cost.
Is the cost of parking included in my removal quote?
The council’s fee is separate from our service and is set by the council, so we cannot change it. If we apply for you, we add the council’s fee to your quote at cost. If you apply yourself, you pay the council directly.
How many bays should I book for my move?
For a move with one of our 3.5t Maxi Mover vans, book 2 bays (about 10 metres). If your move needs two vans, 3 bays (about 15 metres) is enough, as we park the vehicles close together.
Always check for low branches or overhead obstructions before choosing the spot, as our vans are high-roof vehicles.
How far in advance do I need to apply?
It depends on the council. Most ask for 7 to 10 working days, a few accept 3 working days, and Camden asks for 17 days. Apply as soon as your move date is confirmed. Late applications can cost more and some councils cannot process them at all, although a few waive late fees for home moves. See the borough guide above.
Can I just block a space with cones or bins instead?
No. Reserving space on a public road without council approval is not allowed. Cones or bins put out without permission can be removed by enforcement officers, and the space may still be taken by another driver. Only an official suspension reserves the space, and only a dispensation protects you from a penalty charge notice in a restricted zone.
What happens if someone parks in my suspended bay on moving day?
Contact your council’s parking enforcement team straight away. Most councils can send a warden to issue a penalty charge notice to the vehicle, and some can arrange its removal, although response times vary. Having the suspension reference number and photos of the signs to hand will speed things up.
Do your vehicles comply with ULEZ and LEZ?
Yes. All Best London Removals vehicles are fully ULEZ and LEZ compliant, so you will never face an emissions charge for our vehicles. The only parking cost to budget for is the council’s suspension or dispensation fee.
Highly rated by 800+ customers across four independent review sites.
Moved with us? Leave a review on Trustpilot
Plan your move with us
Whether you are moving a one-bedroom flat or coordinating a multi-site office relocation, the process starts with a conversation. Tell us what you need, and we will provide a clear, written, fixed-price quote, usually within 24 hours of a short video survey.
No pressure, no obligation, and no hidden costs. Just straightforward advice from a team that has been doing this for over 15 years.
WhatsApp us a video: send it to 07507 637 861 for the fastest quote turnaround.