Council
Parking for Visitors
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Any resident of Tower Hamlets, except for those living in a car free development, can buy visitors’ scratchcards. However, only one application can be made from each household.
You are entitled to buy up to 120 scratchcards in a 6-month period. Scratchcards cost £10 for a book of 10 and each card allow up to five hours parking in the mini zone in which you live and which is printed on the front of each scratchcard. Scratchcards must be validated according to the instructions on the front and displayed in the windscreen of the vehicle in accordance with the conditions of use printed on the back.
If you are over retirement age or need a carer to call on a daily basis, you do not have to pay for your scratchcards. You need to show us proof, for instance a pension book or bus pass, or if you need a daily carer, a letter from your GP or social services.
Each scratchcard expires 1year after the date of printing, and the expiry date is printed on the card. No refunds will be given for unused or expired scratchcards.
Visitors’ Scratchcards are NOT FOR RESALE. They are only to be used by visitors attending the address from which they were obtained. The Council will always investigate cases of suspected fraud and in these circumstances no further scratchcards will be issued.
How to buy visitors’ scratchcards
You can apply for visitors’ scratchcards if your permanent home address is within the borough and you do not live in a car free development.
If you are applying for scratchcards for the first time or if you have just moved home you will need to apply by filling out an application form (pdf 199k)
Whether you purchase your first scratchcards by post or in person from the Parking Shop, the cards can only be issued once we are in receipt of:
- Your completed and signed application form (Originals only)
- Proof of where you live (see the application form for a list of proofs we can accept)
- Payment or proof of exemption
If you have had scratchcards previously, you will have been issued with a unique permit number (beginning with the letter V). You will have to quote this number if you want to order more scratchcards over the phone. If you go to the Parking Shop to reorder your scratchcards, you will have to take the renewal card with you, or recent proof of residency.
You can renew your scratchcards by:
- Visiting the Parking Shop
- Posting the renewal card to Parking Services, PO Box 14790, London E14 2WA
- Telephoning 020 7364 5003
You are entitled to buy up to 120 scratchcards in a 6-month period.
Where you can park
Each scratchcard is valid for up to five hours in resident bays, permit bays or multi bays (for permit holders and pay and display) in the min izone where you live and which is printed on each individual scratchcard. They are also valid for parking in visitors’ bays on Council-owned estates. The full conditions of use are stated on the back of each scratchcard.
Pensioners and people needing a daily carer
Residents don’t have to pay for visitors’ scratchcards if they are senior citizens or need a carer to call on them on a daily basis.
Senior citizens must show their pension book or senior citizens’ bus pass when applying for cards.
Those who need a carer on a daily basis are advised to ask their social worker or family doctor to fill in an exemption form which is available from the Parking Shop or by contacting the Customer Contact Centre on 020 7364 5003.
For further information please download the application form (pdf 199k)
