Council to launch convenient new virtual permits for residential parking

Redditch Borough Council will be implementing a brand-new virtual permit system for residential parking areas across the town, effective from April 1st, 2024.

The new permit system will begin in April with the 2024/25 scheme, meaning residents who need a permit to park outside or nearby their homes will no longer receive physical permits to display in their vehicles. Instead, all permits will be virtual through MiPermit.

This innovative change aims to enhance convenience, reduce costs, and promote sustainability for residents, eliminating the need for paper forms and allowing residents easy management of their permits directly from a smartphone or computer.

Recognising the diverse needs of Redditch communities, assistance will be provided to residents who need extra support to complete the online application process. Drop-in sessions will be held at Redditch Borough Council Customer Service Centre on February 22nd and March 13th between 10am and 4pm, where dedicated team members will be available to offer guidance, sign people up and answer any questions. Though help is available at any time, should residents need it.

Environmental Services Portfolio Holder, Cllr Brandon Clayton, said: “There are so many benefits to this new system. The virtual permits are more cost-effective and are also much better for the environment. Add to that the fact that they are also much more convenient and easier to update at the touch of a button and it’s a win-win scenario.

“We understand that change can be daunting, which is why we are encouraging residents to apply for virtual permits well ahead of the April 1st deadline. Our team is here to assist anyone who may need support during this transition, so please ask for help if you need it."

Through the MiPermit app, users can easily update vehicle registration details and manage annual visitor permits in a matter of minutes. This flexibility empowers residents to ensure compliance without the hassle of physical permits or remembering to have them on show in their own or visitors’ cars.

Applications made for the new virtual permits through the MiPermit portal or app will be processed promptly, but due to the number of new applications, residents are advised to apply at least ten days before the deadline to ensure their application is approved ahead of the cut off.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Matt Dormer, said: “The introduction of virtual permits is an important step towards modernising our parking management system. We appreciate your cooperation and support as we work together to create a more convenient, efficient, and sustainable parking system for all those affected.”

All current Residents’ Parking Permit(s) and Visitors’ Permits expire on 31st March 2024 so all these permits will need to be renewed before that date. However, any physical permits with an expiry date of 31st March 2024 must remain displayed in the vehicle up to and including that date, as the new virtual permits will only become valid from the 1st April 2024.

For more information and to access the MiPermit resident’s virtual permit portal click here.

Please note: Resident Parking Permits only affect a small number of locations within the borough. Residents’ parking schemes are in place on:

• Archer Road
• Beaufort Street
• Grove Street
• Other Road (part)
• Prospect Hill
• South Street
• Station Way

The Smallwood group which includes:
• Lodge Road
• Marsden Road
• Millsborough Road
• Mount Street
• Summer Street
• Union Street
Smallwood permit holders can park in any of the roads in that group.