We are in the process of moving all our parking permits to virtual parking permits. Virtual permits are digital, so you don't need to display anything in your vehicle. You can find out below which permits are being moved to virtual permits.
How a virtual permit works
Parking permits will move to our virtual system, called Permit Smarti, when your current permit expires or when you submit a new application.
Your vehicle registration will be recorded in the system and checked electronically by enforcement officers. This means you will no longer need to display a paper permit.
Renewing your permit will also be easier. To use a visitor permit you will log their vehicle registration number through your Permit Smarti account.
Why we are changing
Our paper permit system is not efficient, flexible or user-friendly. It is also no longer supported by our permit supplier. The new virtual permit system lets you:
- apply and manage your permit online
- get your permit activated as soon as you pay
- avoid losing physical permits
- reduce the chance of receiving a Penalty Charge Notice for forgetting to display a permit
Virtual permits are already used successfully for season tickets in some off‑street car parks.
Which permits are changing
We will be transferring to virtual permits using a phased approach.
Some permits will be rolled out to certain zones first. If this applies to your zone you will receive an email or letter inviting you to apply or renew through the online Permit Smarti system.
The types of permits that are currently changing over to virtual permits are:
- Resident Permit
- Visitor Permit
- Public Authority Permit
- Grainger Market Permit
- Allotment Permit
- City Centre Resident Permit
If you need information on a different type of permit visit our Parking Permits page.
When they will change
If you already have a paper permit it will stay valid until it ends. When it is due for renewal, you will need to make a new application through the digital system, Permit Smarti. We will send you an email or letter to invite you to do this when your current permit is due for renewal.
If you apply for a new permit it will automatically be a virtual permit.
How to create a Permit Smarti account
To apply, renew or make changes to your permit, you will need to create a Permit Smarti account.
To create an account you will need your:
- name
- email address
Depending on the permit you apply for, you may need to provide supporting documents, for example a tenancy agreement or proof of address.
Once your account is created you can apply for a virtual permit.
If you need help with creating an account or applying for a permit we have guides for:
- Resident Permit: a step-by-step guide (.doc 3.72MB) or video guide
- Visitor Permit: a step-by-step guide (.doc 3.72MB) or video guide
- Public Authority Permit: a step-by-step guide (.doc 3.35MB) or video guide
- Grainger Market Permit: a step-by-step guide (.doc 2.14MB) or video guide
- Allotment Permit: a step-by-step guide (.doc 3.56MB) or video guide
- City Centre Resident: a step-by-step guide (.doc 6.09MB) or video guide
If you do not have internet access and need help to apply, contact us on 0191 278 7878 and ask for 'Smarti'.