Lewes and Falmer parking permits
Page contents
- Apply for a permit
- Parking zones and hours of control
- Resident permits
- Apply for or renew a resident permit
- Resident visitor permits
- Apply for a resident visitor permit
- Business permits (Lewes)
- Apply for a business permit
- Hotel, guest house and holiday let permits (Lewes)
- Apply for hotel permits
- Healthcare worker and carer permits
- Apply for healthcare and carer permits
- Tradespeople and contractors permits
- Apply for trade permits
- Waivers
- Apply for a waiver
- Suspensions and dispensations
- Change the details on your permit
- Contact us
Apply for a permit
Parking zones and hours of control
Lewes and Falmer parking zones [672.6 KB] [pdf] - Find out what parking zone you live or work in and where you can park.
Permit restrictions (the times you can park with a valid permit)
Permits restrictions (the times when you can park with a valid permit) apply as follows:
- Zones B, C, D and HS – 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday
- Zones A and G – 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
- Zone E – 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday (some parts of zone E are Monday to Friday)
- Zone F – 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, 1 September to 31 May
Parking charges do not apply on public or bank holidays. Lewes District Council allows free parking from 5pm to 9am in their car parks.
Do you have a permit for zone HS?
If yes, your permit will also be valid for one other zone in Lewes.
To find out which zone, download Lewes and Falmer permit eligibility areas [848.2 KB] [pdf]
Is there a permit waiting list?
If the demand for permits exceeds availability a waiting list will be implemented.
There are currently no waiting lists for permits in Lewes or Falmer.
New developments
A permit may not be issued if the address is part of a large development with off street parking.
In some circumstances parking permits will not be issued to residents of specific properties. These are generally dwellings with no or limited off street parking where ESCC (East Sussex County Council) has advised the planning authorities that should planning permission be granted for those dwellings no or restricted permits will be issued by ESCC. The Traffic Regulation Order may include a clause to this effect. It is necessary to have such a clause to better manage increasing on street parking demand that would otherwise result from development that does not provide for adequate parking facilities.
What if my vehicle is not registered in the UK?
Motorists of any non UK registered vehicles will only be issued with a permit for a maximum of six months. Foreign vehicles that remain in the UK for longer than six months are required to register with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) or obtain a customs exemption certificate from HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs).
Resident permits
Am I entitled to a resident permit?
Residents are entitled to buy up to two resident parking permits, allowing you to park in the zone where you live, if you are:
- a permanent resident at an address within the controlled parking zone and
- the registered keeper of the vehicle
You will need to provide proof of this with your permit application.
Check the Lewes and Falmer permit eligibility areas [848.2 KB] [pdf] to see which zone you live in.
Find out which documents we will accept - resident permit proof of eligibility.
Permits are virtual and linked to the vehicle registration number.
Where can I park with a resident permit?
Download Lewes and Falmer parking zones map [672.6 KB] [pdf]. The map shows the zone boundary, you can park within the correct zone for your permit in:
- permit holder only bays
- shared use (permit holders or time limited bays)
- shared use (permit holders or pay and display bays)
When parking, the letter on the sign must show the same letter that your permit is valid for. There is no time limit.
Having a permit does not guarantee you a parking space.
Resident permits are not valid in any off street car park except in zone C, where zone C permit holders can park in South Street (South) car park.
If you live in zone HS your permit is valid for one other zone in Lewes, which is shown on the map above.
How much does a resident permit cost?
The tables below show permit charges and environmental discount levels.
Lewes
The level of discount will depend on the CO² emissions of your vehicle. These can be found on:
- your vehicle registration certificate or
- insurance schedule
| Band types | 1st permit | 2nd permit | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months | 6 months | 3 months | 12 months | 6 months | 3 months | |
| Standard | £95 | £47.50 | £23.75 | £130 | £65 | £32.50 |
| Discount level 1 | £85 | £42.50 | £21.25 | £120 | £60 | £30 |
| Discount level 2 | £75 | £37.50 | £18.75 | £110 | £55 | £27.50 |
| Discount level 3 | £55 | £27.50 | £13.75 | £90 | £45 | £22.50 |
| Discount level 4 | £15 | N/A | N/A | £50 | N/A | N/A |
| Band types | Vehicle registered on or after 1 March 2001 CO² value | Vehicles registered before 1 March 2001 Cylinder capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | More than 185g/km | More than 1800cc |
| Discount level 1 | 185g/km or less | 1800cc or less |
| Discount level 2 | 150g/km or less | 1500cc or less |
| Discount level 3 | 120g/km or less | 1000cc or less |
| Discount level 4 | 100g/km or less | N/A |
Electric and LPG (liquid petroleum gas) vehicles qualify for discount level 4.
Falmer
| Band types | 1st permit | 2nd permit | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months | 6 months | 3 months | 12 months | 6 months | 3 months | |
| Petrol, diesel or hybrid | £50.00 | £25.00 | £12.50 | £75.00 | £37.50 | £18.75 |
| LPG or compressed gas | £37 | £18.50 | £9.25 | £62 | £31 | £15.50 |
| Electric vehicle | £25 | £12.50 | £6.25 | £50 | £25 | £12.50 |
To qualify for an environmental discount you must show proof with your application. Without proof you will be charged the standard or petrol and diesel rate and will not be able to cancel the permit and reapply at a different rate unless your engine has been modified and you have the certificate to show these changes.
Payment can be made online when your application is approved. Or once you have received confirmation that your application has been approved you can pay at one of these libraries:
There is a £5 administration fee for processing refunds, which will be deducted from the refund amount. We can only refund full remaining months.
Just moved to Lewes or Falmer?
You will need to change the details on the vehicle registration document and provide proof of your new address, for example, a tenancy agreement or letter from your solicitor providing details of the completion of the mortgage.
We can only issue a three month permit until these changes have been made and you have provided the correct documents.
Apply for or renew a resident permit
Resident visitor permits
These permits are for residents to give to their visitors.
How many resident visitor permits can I buy?
- 100 permits per year per household
- 150 permits per year if you are housebound – you will have to provide proof, such as a letter from your doctor.
You should buy visitor permits in advance although you do not need to buy all the permits in one go and can apply for more at any time.
Even if you do not have a resident parking permit, you can still buy visitor permits. They are scratch card permits, which you will need to validate to show the date of use and the vehicle registration. Full instructions are shown on the permits.
Where can my visitors park?
Download Lewes and Falmer parking zones [672.6 KB] [pdf]
Your visitors can park within the correct zone for the permit in:
- permit holder only bays
- shared use (permit holders or time limited bays)
- shared use (permit holders or pay and display bays)
When parking, the letter on the sign must show the same letter that the permit is valid for.
If you live in zone HS your visitor permits are valid for one other zone in Lewes, which is shown on the map above.
The permit is valid on the date that is scratched off and up to 10am the next day. You do not need a permit on bank or public holidays.
Having a permit does not guarantee a parking space and the permit is not valid in any other bay or in any off street car park.
How much does each permit cost?
- Standard resident visitor permit – £1.20
- If you are housebound – 60p
They can be bought in books of ten.
Permits are not transferable, exchangeable or refundable.
Payment can be made online when your application is approved. Or once you have received confirmation that your application has been approved you can pay on collection.
Where do I get the permits from?
You must apply for visitor permits online first. After your application has been approved you can collect the permits from the libraries listed below. If you do not pay for the permits online, you will need to pay at the library when you collect them.
Permits can be collected from the library in the town that you live in. If you want to collect the permits from a different library, please tell us when you make your application.
Apply for a resident visitor permit
Business permits (Lewes)
Am I entitled to a business permit?
You can buy up to two business permits, allowing you to park in all zones in the controlled parking zone if:
- your business address is within the controlled parking zone and
- your vehicle is essential for the running of the organisation and insured for business use.
Find out which documents we will accept - business permit proof of eligibility.
Permits are virtual, linked to the vehicle registration number, and cannot be transferred.
You should only use business permits for business use, such as making deliveries or site visits. They should not be used for personal use or long term parking. The use of business permits will be regularly monitored to make sure parking reflects compliance with these terms. Misuse may result is permits being withdrawn or further applications being rejected.
Where can I park?
As a business permit holder you can park without time limit within the correct zone for the permit in:
- permit holder only bays.
- shared use (permit holders or time limited bays).
- shared use (permit holders or pay and display bays).
Having a permit does not guarantee you a parking space and the permit is not valid in any other bay or in any off street car park.
Charges for business permits
The tables below show permit charges and environmental discount levels.
The level of discount will depend on the CO² emissions of your vehicle. These can be found on:
- your vehicle registration certificate or
- insurance schedule.
| Band types | Vehicle registered on or after 1 March 2001 CO² value | Vehicles registered before 1 March 2001 Cylinder capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | More than 185g/km | More than 1800cc |
| Discount level 1 | 185g/km or less | 1800cc or less |
| Discount level 2 | 150g/km or less | 1500cc or less |
| Discount level 3 | 120g/km or less | 1000cc or less |
| Discount level 4 | 100g/km or less | N/A |
Electric and LPG (liquid petroleum gas) vehicles qualify for discount level 4.
To qualify for an environmental discount you must show proof of the CO² value or cylinder capacity of the vehicle.
Without proof you will be charged the standard rate and will not be able to cancel the permit and reapply at a different rate unless your engine has been modified and you have the certificate to show these changes.
Payment can be made online when your application is approved. Or once you have received confirmation that your application has been approved you can pay at one of these libraries:
There is a £5 administration fee for processing refunds, which will be deducted from the refund amount. We can only refund full remaining months.
Apply for a business permit
Hotel, guest house and holiday let permits (Lewes)
Who can use the permit?
Hotel guest permits allow overnight guests to park in the controlled parking zone during their stay.
You should buy your permits in advance to issue to guests when required.
The permits are scratch cards, which your guests will need to validate to show the date of use and the vehicle registration. Full instructions are shown on the permits.
The use of hotel guest permits will be regularly monitored to make sure parking reflects compliance with the permit terms and conditions. Misuse may result is permits being withdrawn or further applications being rejected.
Where can my guests park?
Download Lewes and Falmer parking zones [672.6 KB] [pdf]
Guests with a valid permit can park within the correct zone for the permit in:
- permit holder only bays
- shared use (permit holders or time limited bays)
- shared Use (permit holders or pay and display bays)
They are valid on the date that is scratched off and up to 10am the next day. Your guests do not need a permit on bank or public holidays.
Permits for zone HS will also be valid for one other zone, which is shown on the map above.
Having a permit does not guarantee a parking space and they are not valid in any other bay or in any off street car park.
Permits must be clearly displayed so that all the details can be read by a civil enforcement officer.
What evidence do I need to supply with my application?
Hotels and guesthouses
Your application will need to be submitted with a letter on headed paper showing your hotel or guest house address, the number of rooms, and the number of permits you are applying for.
Holiday lets
Your application will need to be submitted with a copy of your current business rates bill for the holiday let, showing the address of the property.
How much do they cost?
They cost £2 each and can be bought in books of ten.
Permits are not transferable, exchangeable or refundable.
Payment can be made online when your application is approved. Or once you have received confirmation that your application has been approved you can pay at one of these libraries:
Permits can be collected from the library in the town the hotel is in. If you want to collect the permits from a different library, please tell us when you make your application.
Apply for hotel permits
Healthcare worker and carer permits
Who can use a healthcare and carer permit?
Permits can be used by doctors, nurses, midwives, health visitors, social workers, and carers who provide services to clients in their homes in the controlled parking zone.
Your organisation will need to apply for the permits in advance and distribute to staff as required. The application will need to be submitted on a letter with headed paper showing the number of permits you are applying for.
We will not accept applications from individual members of staff.
The permits are scratch cards, which you will need to validate to show the date of use and the vehicle registration. Full instructions are shown on the permits.
Where can I park with a healthcare and carer permit?
You can park in any parking zone in Lewes or Falmer in:
- permit holder only bays
- shared use (permit holders or time limited bays)
- shared use (permit holders or pay and display bays)
The permit is valid on the date that it is scratched off only. You do not need a permit on a bank or public holiday. Multiple visits can be made with one permit on any one day.
Having a permit does not guarantee a parking space and they are not valid in any other bay or in any off street car park.
The use of healthcare worker and carer permits will be regularly monitored to make sure parking reflects compliance with these terms. Misuse may result is permits being withdrawn or further applications being rejected.
Permits must be clearly displayed so that all the details can be read by a civil enforcement officer.
How much do they cost?
They cost £1.20 each and can be bought individually or in books of ten.
Permits are not transferable, exchangeable or refundable.
Payment can be made online when your application is approved. Or once you have received confirmation that your application has been approved you can pay at one of these libraries:
If you want to collect the permits from a different library than Lewes, please tell us when you make your application.
Apply for healthcare and carer permits
Tradespeople and contractors permits
Who can use a trade permit?
Tradespeople and contractors, for example plumbers and electricians, working in the controlled parking zone can buy day permits.
Permits are virtual and linked to the vehicle registration number.
You should only use a trade permit if you are:
- working on a property, which is not your permanent place of work and
- only using it for business use, not personal use.
You will need to provide proof of where you are working and how long the work will take, this could be an invoice or quote. Contact the customer service team if you need advice about what documents we accept.
Where can I park?
Trade permits allow you to park in any parking zone in Lewes or Falmer in:
- permit holder only bays
- shared use (permit holders or time limited bays)
- shared use (permit holders or pay and display bays)
Multiple visits can be made on the date of the permit. You do not need a permit on a bank or public holiday.
They are not valid in any other bay or in any off street car park and having a permit does not guarantee you a parking space.
How much do they cost?
They cost £4.50 each and must be paid for online when you apply.
Apply for trade permits
Waivers
Waivers allow vehicles to park on yellow lines where there is no alternative or when loading and unloading is likely to exceed the normal 20 minute maximum period.
Who can apply for a waiver?
Any person with a specific need for their vehicle to be parked on yellow lines at the location they are working. They will not be issued for convenience.
In most cases once any equipment needed from the vehicle has been unloaded the vehicle can be moved and parked in an appropriate parking bay.
With each application you will need to submit evidence to confirm that you have a need to park at the location. We will accept a works order, job sheet or estimate.
Waivers will be issued at our discretion where it is safe to do so in the location required.
Where can I park with a waiver?
Waivers can be used to park on yellow lines.
How much do they cost?
The charge is £6 per six metres, per day. Waivers are non refundable although dates and times can be changed.
Payment can be made online when your application is approved. Or once you have received confirmation that your application has been approved you can pay at one of these libraries:
Apply for a waiver
Suspensions and dispensations
Find out about suspensions and dispensations
Change the details on your permit
Find out how to change the details on your permit.
Contact us
Contact us if you have any questions about permits or need help with an application.
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