Check your residents’ parking permit cost

Enter a UK postcode. We’ll show the annual permit price for that council.

How we use your registration

We only use your registration to get DVLA emissions and fuel type for this lookup. Your browser sends it to our site (POST /api/vrm), which forwards it to DVLA for that request. We do not store or cache the full VRM. Diagnostic logs, if written, use a masked registration (for example AB***DE). Lookups are rate-limited by IP. See the Privacy Policy.

How our parking permit cost checker works

  1. Enter your postcode – We match you to the correct local authority and any relevant controlled parking zones.
  2. Add your vehicle (optional) – If you enter your registration, we look up your CO₂ emissions and fuel type using official DVLA data.
  3. We estimate your permit cost – Using the latest published residents' permit tariffs and emissions bands from your council, we show you the likely cost for your car.
  4. Explore other scenarios – See how costs change for different fuel types or emissions bands, and compare against other councils across the UK.

We do not store your VRM. A postcode stays in this browser session only. See the Privacy Policy.

Compare permit costs

How we verify prices Most expensive permits Cheapest EV permits Diesel surcharges UK Cost Index 2026 Research reports Browse verified council comparisons

Why residents' parking permit costs vary so much

Parking permit costs vary widely across the UK, especially where councils use emissions-based bands, diesel surcharges and discounts for electric cars. Verified published tariffs are listed only for councils that pass our publishable data gate — see the council directory and ranking guides.

Common factors that affect your permit cost include CO₂ emissions, fuel type, permit type, location and zone, and sometimes vehicle size and weight. Treat figures on this site as a guide, not a formal quote, and confirm on the council's own website before applying.

Explore residents' parking permit costs by area

Use the checker above to check your own postcode, or browse our parking permit council guides.

Frequently asked questions

How is the parking permit cost calculated?

Parking permit costs are based on your vehicle's CO₂ emissions and fuel type. Most councils use emission bands to determine pricing, with higher emissions resulting in higher costs. Many councils also apply diesel surcharges and offer discounts for electric vehicles.

Why does my neighbour pay a different price?

Permit costs can vary based on your vehicle's CO₂ emissions, fuel type (diesel often costs more), and sometimes the specific parking zone. If you have a higher-emission or diesel vehicle, you'll typically pay more than someone with a low-emission or electric car.

Can I get a discount for an electric vehicle?

Many councils offer discounts or lower rates for electric vehicles (EVs). Some councils place EVs in the lowest emissions band, while others offer additional discounts. Check your council's specific pricing structure for details.

Do all councils use emissions-based pricing?

No, not all councils use emissions-based pricing. Some councils charge a flat rate for all vehicles, while others use zone-based pricing or a combination of factors. Our tool accounts for these differences and shows you the relevant pricing structure for your area.

What if my postcode isn't found?

We currently support most UK postcodes. If your postcode isn't found, it may be a new development or the data hasn't been updated yet. Try contacting your local council directly.

Are the prices accurate and up-to-date?

We source our data from official council websites and aim to keep it current. However, prices can change, so we recommend verifying with your local council before applying.