Public service scratchcards

Public service scratchcards are available to bona fide public service organisations (providing a public service and non profit making) within the borough.

They are also available to some organisations outside the borough whose employees occasionally need to park here in the course of their duties (e.g. housing association employees).

They can be used either by officers of the organisation to which they are issued, or by visitors to their premises e.g. schools inspectors.

How scratchcards are used
Restrictions to public sector scratchcards
How do I apply for a public service scratchcards?
Getting your scratchcards
Where do I get more information?
Re-ordering public service scratchcards

 

How scratchcards are used

• Scratchcards are issued in books of 10 and each book costs £35. There are no restrictions on the number of books that can be purchased
• Permits are valid for any vehicle and allow three hours parking per day in resident and permit holder bays and visitors’ bays on Tower Hamlets estates throughout the borough
• Each scratchcard must be used within one year of issue
• A renewal form is attached to the scratchcards
• No refunds will be given for unused or expired scratchcards.

Restrictions to public sector scratchcards

• Your scratchcards are not valid for parking anywhere else, for example, in business bays, market trader bays, pay and display only bays or on yellow lines
• You should also make sure you do not park in suspended bays regardless of whether there appears to be any reason for the suspension
• Some resident bays in Tower Hamlets have been designated “No Public Service Permit” bays, and you should not use your scratchcard to park in them. You should always check the signs close to the bay where you park to make sure you can use it.

Parking restrictions are currently in place from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday but you should also be aware that in some minizones these hours are extended. The mini zones scheme has been introduced to ensure that residents can park in busier parts of the borough, and sub divides the four main zones (A,B,C and D) into smaller zones where hours of restriction may vary.

You should always check the plates near to where you park to make sure your permit covers you for the whole of the time you will be parked. If you park without a valid permit during restricted hours, you may be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (parking ticket) and additional enforcement (clamping and/or removal) may also be used.

How do I apply for a public service scratchcards?

• Before we can issue a permit, you will need to provide proof that your organisation is eligible
• Together with your application, please submit a letter from your organisation, either on letter-headed paper or with a company stamp, detailing why the permits are needed.

Getting your scratchcards

• Step one - Download and complete the attached scratchcard application form
• Step two - Include a letter from your organisation on letter headed paper detailing the need for the permits
• Step three - Include the correct payment
• Step four - Return your application by post to:

Parking Services
PO Box 14790
London E14 2WA

Where do I get more information?

If you need more information about public service scratchcards, call the Customer Contact Centre on 020 7364 5003.

There are separate application forms for Resident’s Parking Permits, Business Parking Permits, Market Traders Parking Permits, and Public Service Parking Permits.

Call The Customer Contact Centre if you would like a particular form posted to you,

Or contact:
Parking Services
PO Box 14790
London E14 2WA

tel: 020 7364 5003
fax: 020 7364 3121

Re-ordering public service scratchcards

If you are have already purchased public service scratchcards, you will have been given a permit number (beginning with PSC) which will be printed on each individual scratchcard. If you are re-ordering by phone, you will need to quote this number. If you go to the Parking Shop, you will need to take the re-order card with you or a letter of authorisation from the organisation.

Before we can issue a permit, you will need to provide proof that your organisation is eligible. Together with your application (pdf 197k) please submit a letter from your organisation, either on letter headed paper or with a company stamp, detailing why the permits are needed.

Download the public service scratchcard application form (pdf 197k)