PARKING in Reading is set to see a shake-up as a new digital scheme is rolled out next week, the council has announced.
Reading Borough Council’s new digital parking permit system will be launched on Wednesday, November 1, replacing the current physical permits which are displayed in vehicles.
The new system is intended to make parking easier to apply for and manage by simplifying and speeding up the process while reducing errors.
It comes after a successful trial in Caversham which began in November last year.
The roll-out will see a year-long transition phase, during which existing “scratchcard” permits will still be valid until their original expiry dates, and the paper permits system will still be accessible for those without internet access.
Residents will be sent information about how to apply for the new permits once their current parking permits are due to expire.
The permit scheme is designed to make it easier for residents to park near their homes as well as preventing inappropriately long parking near train stations, hospitals, health centres, and shopping centres.
As such, residents can also highlight parking issues or inappropriate parking via the council’s parking portal.
Cllr John Ennis, lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said: “The Council is pleased to start introducing digital parking permits for residents from November.
“The user-friendly online system should make applying for, and renewing, parking permits easier and reduce waiting times for paper permits to be processed and dispatched.
He explained: “The existing physical residents’ parking permits will remain valid until their expiry date and those who do not have access to the internet will still be able to use the existing system and display physical permits.
“The existing visitor permit scheme will remain in operation pending the results of further trials.”
Full information about upcoming changes to parking in Reading are available on the council’s website at: reading.gov.uk/vehicles-roads-and-transport
