We encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport such as public transport, walking and cycling to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality for all. However, we recognise that if you are a GP, you will require a vehicle when on call so you can respond to medical emergencies. You can avoid parking fines by registering for a GP Parking Permit.
Use this page to find out about GP Parking Permits, the cost and duration of available permits, how to apply, and how to use a permit.
Check your eligibility
If you are a GP who needs to respond to emergencies or visit patients in their own home, you are eligible for a GP Parking Permit.
You do not need to live in Bath and North East Somerset to apply for a permit.
Check the cost
GP Parking permits cost £100 for 12 months (in line with the baseline cost of Residents, Medical or Social Care Parking Permits)
Permits are valid for one year from the date of issue. To avoid the risk of a parking ticket, you must renew your permit annually, before it expires. You can do this up to one month before the expiry date of your current permit.
Before you apply
You can apply for a GP Parking Permit yourself, or your Practice Manager (or a person working in a similar role) can do it on your behalf.
When you apply, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Evidence of qualification as a General Practitioner
- A copy of your vehicle insurance documentation, showing cover for business use
- If you are applying as an individual, you will also need to provide a supporting letter from your practice, surgery, or health trust.
How to apply
You can apply for, or renew, a GP Parking Permit through our online permit management service, MiPermit.
If your application for a permit is refused
How to use the permit
GP Parking Permits are vehicle specific, and you can only use a permit if you are the GP named in the application.
You can associate a maximum of 2 vehicles to a permit, with only 1 vehicle active at a time. The permits are digital, which means you do not have to display anything in your vehicle.
Select a topic below to find out where you can and cannot use a permit, and your responsibilities.
The permit allows you to park in the following restricted areas, for the duration of a patient visit:
- Doctors only bays
- On-street residents-only parking bays
- Pay & Display bays
- Limited waiting bays (without a time limit)
GP Parking Permits cannot be used in the following locations, and you may receive a fine if you park in them:
- Council car parks
- Marked cycle lanes
- Pedestrian crossings
- Blue Badge holder-only bays
- Clearways
- Bus stops
- Taxi ranks
- Roads with a loading ban
- Areas where you will cause an obstruction or create danger
- A no waiting or yellow line restriction (unless attending an emergency)
If you are a permit holder and are attending an emergency, you can park on a no waiting/yellow line restriction if no other legal parking space is available.
If you receive a Penalty Charge Notice, you will need to either pay the charge or submit a challenge through the statutory process, as detailed on the reverse of the notice.
It is your responsibility to keep your parking permit details up to date. You must ensure that the active vehicle used with your permit is correct at the time of use, to avoid getting a parking fine.
How to update your permit
If you need to replace an existing vehicle, you must get your current permit updated. Permit updates cost £10, and you will need to provide proof of business vehicle insurance. Please email us at parking@bathnes.gov.uk or call us on 01225 477133.
For full details about how to purchase and use GP Parking Permits, see our parking permit Terms and Conditions.