Leicester has embraced digital technology to streamline parking permits, using “scan cars” to efficiently manage and enforce parking regulations. This guide explains how Leicester’s digital permit system works, focusing on the convenience and effectiveness of license plate recognition for permit validation.
Understanding Leicester’s Scan Car Parking Permit System
Gone are the days of paper permits that could be lost, stolen, or forgotten. Leicester City Council has implemented a digital parking permit system where physical permits are no longer necessary. Instead, enforcement officers utilize vehicles equipped with advanced license plate scanning technology – often referred to as “scan cars” – to verify parking permissions.
These “scan cars” automatically read vehicle license plates as they patrol permit zones. The system then instantly checks the license plate against a database of valid digital parking permits. If a match is found, the vehicle is recognized as having the appropriate parking authorization. This system offers a seamless and efficient way to manage parking, benefiting both residents and the city council.
The primary advantage of using “scan cars” is the increased efficiency and accuracy of parking enforcement. It reduces the chances of errors associated with manual checks and minimizes fraud related to paper permits. For residents, this means a more convenient system where managing and renewing permits is simplified online, and there’s no need to display anything in their car.
Applying for Your Digital Parking Permit in Leicester
To take advantage of this modern system, you’ll need to apply for a digital parking permit online through MiPermit, the platform Leicester City Council uses to manage permits. Whether you are a resident, visitor, business, contractor, maintenance personnel, or student, the process is designed to be straightforward.
You can access the MiPermit portal to register, apply, or renew your permit here:
Register, apply or renew a permit
The online portal allows you to choose from various permit types, including:
- Resident Permits: For individuals living within a designated parking permit zone.
- Visitor Permits: To accommodate guests visiting residents in permit zones.
- Business Permits: For businesses operating within permit zones.
- Contractor and Maintenance Permits: For professionals needing to park while working in permit areas.
- Student Permits: For students residing in eligible areas.
When applying, you will need to provide necessary information such as your address, vehicle registration number, and proof of residency or business operation as required for your permit type. The digital system ensures that your application is processed efficiently, and once approved, your vehicle details are immediately registered in the “scan cars” database.
Managing Your Digital Permit Online is Simple
One of the key benefits of Leicester’s digital parking permit system is the ease of online management. Through your MiPermit account, you have complete control over your parking permit.
Key management features include:
- Vehicle Changes: You can easily change the vehicle associated with your permit. This is particularly useful if you change your car, use a company vehicle, or have a courtesy car temporarily. Changes are instant, ensuring continuous permit validity.
- Address Updates: If you move within Leicester, you can update your address details through your account. Pro-rata refunds are typically available if you move out of a permit zone.
- Renewal Reminders: The system automatically sends email reminders when your permit is due for renewal, usually about three weeks before the expiry date. A direct renewal link is provided in the email for your convenience.
- Visitor Permit Purchases: Purchasing visitor permits is also managed online through your MiPermit account, making it easy to host guests without parking hassles.
Understanding Leicester Parking Permit Zones
Leicester is divided into various parking permit zones, each designated by a letter. These zones help manage parking within specific areas and ensure that permit holders have priority parking near their residences or businesses.
To find out which permit zone applies to your address, you can refer to the detailed list of streets and eligible addresses provided by Leicester City Council. This list is crucial for ensuring you apply for the correct permit zone. (The extensive list of streets from the original article is provided here as in the original article.)
(Insert Street Lists A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W from original article here)
Your digital permit allows you to park in any available permit holder space within your designated zone. It’s important to note that a permit does not guarantee a parking space will always be available, nor does it allow parking in areas with waiting restrictions (like single or double yellow lines).
Need Help? Leicester City Council is Ready to Assist
Leicester City Council understands that some residents may require assistance with the digital permit application process. Support is available for elderly, vulnerable, or digitally restricted individuals.
If you need help with your application, you can:
- Email: Contact the Parking Permits team at [email protected]
- Write to: Parking Permits, PO Box 8459, Leicester, LE1 8AW
For technical assistance with your MiPermit account, such as login issues, you can contact the MiPermit helpline directly:
- MiPermit Helpline: 0345 520 7007
- Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions about Scan Car Parking in Leicester
Q: What is a digital parking permit and how do “scan cars” use it?
A: A digital parking permit is an electronic permit purchased online, replacing traditional paper permits. “Scan cars,” equipped with license plate recognition technology, automatically read license plates and check them against a digital database to verify valid permits, eliminating the need to display a physical permit.
Q: What are the benefits of digital permits and “scan cars”?
A: Digital permits offer greater protection against fraud, eliminate misuse, and cannot be lost or stolen. “Scan cars” ensure efficient and accurate enforcement, reducing errors and making the system more convenient for users.
Q: My paper permit is still valid. Do I need to switch to a digital permit now?
A: No, all paper-based permits remain valid until they expire. You should register with MiPermit when your current permit is due for renewal or if you need to make changes to your permit.
Q: Can I change my vehicle registration details on my digital permit?
A: Yes, you can change your vehicle registration details instantly and as often as needed via your MiPermit account under ‘Manage Digital Permit.’
Q: What if I make a mistake when registering my vehicle details?
A: It is crucial to register your vehicle details accurately, including using zeros instead of the letter ‘O’ and vice versa when appropriate. Errors may result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) as enforcement officers rely on accurate registration details for validation.
Q: Are Blue Badge holders eligible for free permits?
A: Yes, disabled residents holding a Blue Badge are eligible for a free parking permit for their personal use in parking permit areas.
Q: Does a parking permit guarantee a parking space?
A: No, a permit allows you to park in any available permit holder space within your zone but does not guarantee a parking space will always be available.
Embrace the Convenience of Digital Parking in Leicester
Leicester’s implementation of digital parking permits and “scan cars” represents a significant step forward in modernizing city services. This system offers a more efficient, convenient, and user-friendly approach to parking management. By applying for your digital permit and managing it online, you can experience hassle-free parking within Leicester’s permit zones.
