Permit applications open for parking management in North Berwick

Applications for permits can be made online by visiting the East Lothian Council website at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/NB-parking

Enforcement of the new parking scheme, which includes restrictions and charges on some streets, will begin on Monday, 1 June.

The following permits will be available:

• Resident permit - £40 per year.
• Residents’ visitor permit - £4 for 24 hours.
• Short-term let visitor permits - £30 per week.
• Health and social care worker permit - £10 per year.
• RNLI permit - free of charge.

Paper copies of the permits will not be issued. Parking attendants will use their handheld devices to check for a valid permit using the vehicle registration number.

Permit holders will receive a reminder email before the permit’s expiration date to allow for timely renewals. They may apply to cancel their permit at any time and will receive a refund for each complete unexpired month.

Information on permits will be shared directly with residents in the Controlled Parking Zones who will receive letters in the coming days. Full details of the permit arrangements can be found on the council website at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/NB-parking

Resident permits:

Residents can apply for a permit by uploading one of the following documents to confirm their address: a current council tax statement, utility bill, or mortgage/rental/tenancy agreement.

Each resident is entitled to one permit and there is a limit of two per household.

For owners of a second home or holiday home, only one permit can be obtained.

Residents’ Visitor Permits:

Residents can apply for visitor permit for the use of family, friends and trades people.

Up to 20 daily permits costing £4 each will be available per household every year.

Short-Term Let Visitor Permits:

These permits may only be issued to the property owner or managing agent of a short-term let for a visitor in possession of a qualifying vehicle.

Up to 25 weekly permits costing £30 each will be available for purchase per property every year.

Health and Social Care Workers Permits:

NHS Lothian, medical practices, and registered home care providers may apply for £10 annual permits for use on qualifying vehicles, the keepers of which are the health and social care workers they employ.

RNLI Permits:

The North Berwick RNLI may apply for permits for use on qualifying vehicles, the keepers of which are employed by or are a volunteer member of the RNLI based at the town’s Lifeboat Station.

Tom Reid, the council’s Head of Infrastructure, said: “The application process has been set up to make it as easy as possible for residents and other users to purchase parking permits. We would encourage people to make their applications ahead of the start of parking enforcement on Monday, 1 June.

“The parking management scheme was approved at a meeting of East Lothian Council in December 2024 following extensive public consultation and engagement. The measures aim to increase the turnover of parking spaces to provide better access to businesses and amenities during busy periods, improve road safety through greater enforcement of unsafe and illegal parking, and encourage sustainable travel.”