SMART Visitor Permit

SMART Visitor Permit

A parking permit for your visitors which acts like an Oyster card - you top up your balance and then use it when you need it.

This permit is currently only available in certain zones - see below for details.

The SMART Visitor Permit is available to residents living within Zone V with effect from 26/03/12 - residents of Zone V can apply for their permit now, in order to use it from this date.

If you already have a SMART Visitor Permit, you may like to download and print a copy of the quick reference guide (pdf, 109kB). This is a credit card-sized guide containing the telephone numbers for using and topping-up your SMART Visitor permit, along with other useful information.

Changes to your SMART Visitor Permit account 

To manage your SMART Visitor Permit online you will need to create a 'My Account' if you do not already have one. If you do have one you will be able to add this new facility to your 'My Account' by registering your smart visitor permit. If you received a username and password with your SMART Visitor Permit, this will no longer be required - your new username and password will be those you create for this facility on 'My Account' . If you do not currently use online services for your SMART Visitor Permit, this change will not affect you - you can continue to manage your account by phone. If you have any questions about this change or need help registering, contact the permit support team on 0845 803 1020 (Mon- Fri, 9am -5pm).

SMART Visitor Permit prices

The hourly rate for SMART Visitor Permit parking is £1.80 per hour in all SVP zones - this rate applies to parking time purchased on or after 22/11/10. The 50% discounted rate for disabled users is 90p per hour in all SMART Visitor Permit zones (for parking time purchased from the same date).

Any parking time purchased on a SMART Visitor Permit account prior to 22/11/10 was charged at the previous rate of £1.50 per hour, or 75p per hour at the 50% discounted rate for disabled users.

The discounted rate for disabled users applies to the first 240 hours of parking time purchased each year. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

» What is a SMART Visitor Permit?

» How do I apply?

» Can I apply in person?

» I have received my permit – what do I do now?

» How do I top up my hours?

» My visitor has arrived – how do I use the permit?

» Do I need to register a phone number?

» What is an activation code and where do I find mine?

» What do I do if I lose my SMART Visitor Permit?

» More frequently asked questions

» Important information and contact details

What is a SMART Visitor Permit?

The SMART Visitor Permit provides a convenient cash less method of paying for parking for residents' visitors which is cheaper than the regular pay and display tariff. It also allows residents' visitors to park throughout the length of the controlled parking hours, regardless of any maximum stay for pay and display parking.

The permit acts like an oyster card whereby you top up your account balance (with a minimum top up of 5 hours at a time) and then use it as and when you need it. When you use the SMART Visitor Permit, parking time is charged by the minute and deducted from your available credit, so you only pay for the time you need. The SMART Visitor Permit will automatically stop charging when parking restrictions finish at the end of the day. You can manage your online account, where you can top up your account, check your account balance, look up past parking transactions and change your registered details.

The SMART Visitor Permit was introduced on a trial basis into Controlled Parking Zones A, X and Y in December 2007. The scheme was extended to Zones B, C, CC, D and E in November 2008, to Zone G in December 2009, to Zone J in January 2010, Zone I in June 2010, Zone M in July 2010, Zone L in August 2010, and Zone V in March 2012. The SMART Visitor Permit will be introduced to further parking zones in due course. See map of controlled parking zones (pdf, 2.04MB).

A SMART Visitor Permit is only valid for the parking zone in which the resident's address falls. The operation of the permit varies slightly depending on this parking zone - see the table below.

Summary of how the SMART Visitor Permit (SVP) operates in each parking zone
Parking zone	A, B, C, CC, D, E, I, J, L, M and V	G, X and Y
SVP parking cost	standard users: £1.80/hour disabled users: 90p/hour for the first 240 hours per year and £1.80/hour thereafter.
No. of SVPs per household	One	Two
Special conditions	Zone CC: No charge on Sundays (but SVP must still be displayed in the vehicle and activated). All other Zones: no special conditions	Zone G: No charge after 8pm from Monday to Saturday and no charge on Sundays (but SVP must still be displayed in the vehicle and activated). Zones X & Y: no special conditions

Back to top

How do I apply?

If you live in controlled parking zones A, B, C, CC, D, E, G, I, J, L, M, V, X or Y you can apply for a SMART Visitor Permit  online or by using the application form (see link below). The permit is currently only available to residents in these zones. It is not available to businesses. 

Apply online via My account

» SMART Visitor Permit application form (pdf, 139.7kB)

» Map of Controlled Parking Zones (pdf, 2.04MB)

Back to top

Can I apply in person?

No. Applying online is quick and easy. Alternatively, applications for a SMART Visitor Permit can be posted (along with the required proof of residency documents) to H & F Direct, Pay and Park, PO Box 60820, London W6 9UZ.

Back to top

I have received my permit – what do I do now?

In order to start using the permit you will need to top up the hours in your account.  The easiest and cheapest way to do this is online by accessing your online account. When your visitor arrives you will need to display the SMART Visitor Permit in their car and activate it (if your zone has free hours then you will still need to activate the SMART Visitor Permit and place it in your visitor's vehicle) - see My visitor has arrived – how do I use the permit?

Back to top

How do I top up my hours?

Before you can use your  SMART Visitor permit you will need to top up the hours on your account. 

1. Log on to your online account 

2. To top up your account click on ‘manage my smart visitor permit’. Time is sold in 5 hour bundles (each 5 hour bundle costs £9, or £4.50 at the 50% discounted rate for disabled users). In the box provided enter how many bundles of 5 hours you would like to purchase. For example, if you would like to purchase 10 hours you will need to enter 2 into the box – this means two bundles of 5 hours.

3. Follow the payment steps on screen to complete your top up.

Please note, we are not able to issue refunds for any unused hours, so please be sure you will use the hours before you buy.

Your SMART Visitor Permit is now ready for use.

If you do not have access to the internet then you can access it for free in any library or at the reception of Hammersmith Town Hall. 

Alternatively, please contact us by phone on 020 7371 5678 (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm, except for bank holidays) and we will be happy to help you top up your account.

Can my visitors top up my SMART visitor permit?

The SVP account holder must call us on 020 7371 5678 (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm, except for bank holidays). We can then obtain your authorisation to speak to your visitor and process a top up on your account using their payment details. Please note that top-ups can only be made in multiples of 5 hours and (as with all top-ups) any unused parking time is non-refundable, but will remain on your SVP account for future use. 

Back to top  

My visitor has arrived – how do I use the permit?

First of all your visitor must find a suitable parking space within your controlled parking zone.  If you live on the boundary of two zones please ensure your visitor is parked within your zone as the SMART Visitor Permit is only valid in the zone in which you live. Please note that you will need to activate your SMART Visitor Permit each day if your visitor stays for more than one day - this is because your SMART Visitor permit automatically deactivates at the end of the controlled parking hours in your parking zone.

Once your visitor has parked, place the SMART Visitor Permit in the holder provided and clearly display it on the inside of the windscreen of the vehicle, near the tax disk in the lower left hand corner, with the number and barcode visible from the outside.  If your zone has free hours then you will still need to place the permit in your visitor's vehicle and activate it.

You will then need to activate the permit by calling 020 3003 2525 or logging on to your online account. Follow the steps for activation. Make sure you have your card number and activation code with you when you call if you are calling from a telephone number that is not registered or has its number withheld.

When your visitor is ready to leave you will need to call 020 3003 2525 or log on to your online account and follow the steps for deactivation. 

Remember to remove the SMART Visitor Permit from your visitors’ car so that your next visitor can use it.

Back to top

Do I need to register a phone number?

Our system will not be able to recognise your account details if you do not register your mobile number or land line number or if your telephone number is withheld. Therefore, when you call 020 3003 2525 to activate your permit you will be asked to enter your 8 digit permit number (located on the front of your permit) and a 4 digit activation code every time you activate and deactivate your SMART Visitor Permit.  

If you are a resident with only one SMART Visitor Permit (i.e. all zones other than Zones G, X and Y) and your telephone number is registered and not withheld, you will go straight to the activation process eliminating the need to enter the permit number and activation code. This will save you time and money.

If you are a resident of Zones G, X or Y and your telephone number is registered and not withheld, you will still need to enter the permit number (to ensure the correct permit from the two issued is identified) before being transferred to the activation process.

You can change your registered mobile or land line at anytime via your online account.

Back to top

What is an activation code and where do I find mine?

An activation code is essential for activating and deactivating your SMART Visitor Permit if and when you use a mobile or landline number other than the number registered on your account. An activation code is also required if your phone's 'caller ID' is withheld when you make outgoing calls.

You can create, check and change your activation code by visiting your online account and clicking on ‘account details’ or by calling us on 020 7371 5678 Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm (except for bank holidays). 

Back to top

What do I do if I lose my SMART Visitor Permit?

If you lose you permit, please contact Parking Services immediately on 020 7371 5678 so that we can cancel your card. This will prevent anyone else using your permit. Please note that we can not refund any credit used whilst your SMART Visitor Permit is lost, however unused credit will remain on your account and can be used with your replacement SMART Visitor Permits.

You will then need to complete and return a SMART Visitor Permit replacement form  (pdf, 105.3kB) so that we can issue you with a new permit.

Back to top

More frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to apply for a  SMART Visitor Permit?	All residential households in controlled parking Zones A, B, C, CC, D, E, G, I, J, L, M, V, X and Y can apply – even if you don’t own a car or have a residents permit.   Businesses are not eligible for the SMART Visitor Permit.
Do I get charged by the hour?	No.  The SMART Visitor Permit charges by the minute so if your visitors only stay for 10 minutes then that is all you pay for.
When should I use the SMART Visitor Permit?	The SMART Visitor Permit only needs to be used during controlled parking hours.
There is a 1, 2 or 4 hour maximum stay in my street.  Does this mean my visitors can only stay for 1, 2 or 4 hours?	No. If they are using an activated SMART Visitor Permit then they can stay throughout the length of the controlled hours.
What do I do if my visitor will be staying for more than one day?	Your SMART Visitor Permit automatically deactivates at the end of the controlled parking hours each day. If your visitor will be staying for more than one day, you will need to activate your SMART Visitor Permit each morning.
I am disabled. Will I get a discount on the SMART Visitor Permit?	Yes. All blue badge holders and people who are registered disabled with Hammersmith and Fulham Council are eligible for a 50% discount on the hourly rate for the first 240 hours purchased each year. Please see the table above for number of available hours.
Do I need to use the SMART Visitor Permit if my visitor arrives on a motorbike?	No.  Motorbikes can park free of charge in any shared-use bay so they do not need to display the SMART Visitor Permit.
Can I receive a refund on any hours that I don’t use?	No. We cannot issue any refunds so please ensure you are going to use all the hours that you purchase.
I would like to top up my hours over the internet but I do not have internet access in my home.	Free internet access is available in the Hammersmith Town Hall Extension or in your local library.
Can I call parking services if I want to activate and deactivate my permit?	No.  The Parking Services call centre can help you register your details and top up your hours but they cannot activate or deactivate your permit for you.  You must call 020 3003 2525 or visit your on-line account
I have registered my mobile number but when I call 020 3003 2525 to activate my permit, why does it say that it does not recognise my number?	Your mobile number may have its caller ID withheld. You can still activate your permit using this telephone number but you will need to enter your SMART Visitor Permit number and your activation code so that the system can recognise you.
I live in Zones G, X or Y, and I have registered my telephone number but when I call 020 3003 2525 to activate my permit, why does the system ask for my SMART Visitor Permit number?	If you live in Zones G, X or Y you will have two SMART Visitor Permits. We need to know which one you would like to use before we can activate your permit.

Back to top

Important information and contact details

If you would like an application form sent to you in the mail please call 020 7371 5678

To activate and deactivate your SMART Visitor Permit for parking sessions please call 020 3003 2525.

If your permit has been lost/stolen please fill in a SMART Visitor Permit replacement request form (pdf, 105.3kB) and return it to us at the address shown on the form.

If you have any queries about the SMART Visitor Permit that have not been answered here then please call 020 7371 5678 or email us at parking@lbhf.gov.uk.