Pay and Display Parking Permit Changes from 1 March 2026
We are currently undertaking a review of pay parking across the region and as a result the issuing of parking permits for pay and display car parks across all of the Borders is on hold.
It is expected that a decision will be made late June 2026 at Council by Elected Members over the parking permit policy and permit holders will be informed by the end of July of any changes.
In the interim:
- We will not issue any new parking permits for use in pay and display car parks
- We will not renew any existing parking permits from 1 March 2026 onwards
- Any parking permits that are due to expire from 1 March onwards will still be valid until 31 July 2026, without any additional charge
Frequently asked questions
My permit is due to expire in March, April, May or June 2026 what should I do?
You don’t need to do anything. You will still be able to use this permit to park as usual until June 2026 when there will be a new parking policy introduced and you will be informed of any changes to the permit system. You must display your permit on the windscreen as usual.
I just renewed my permit in February, what will happen?
You will still be able to park as usual using your new permit and this is guaranteed until the end of June 2026. In June a decision will be made on what will happen to existing permit holders and you will be written to with more information then. At this time we cannot provide a more definitive or detailed response as the outcome is unknown.
The permit on my car states it will expire before 31 July, will I get a ticket?
No, continue to display the permit on your car as normal until 31 July 2026. The parking attendants will not ticket your vehicle even though your permit has expired. You will be written to in July with an update on the permit policy.
I am about to change my car, and my permit is valid until January 2027, what should I do?
Please email roadsafety@scotborders.gov.uk giving us your contact number, permit number and your existing and new Vehicle registration number. We will be in touch to advise you of the new process. Please do not destroy your existing permit.
Why is the permit system changing?
We are undertaking a review of the parking service across the Borders and this includes investigating standardised charges and a review of permits that is reflective of the costs of operating the parking service as well as aligning with other similar rural Local Authorities.
Will this review result in an increase in charges for parking permits?
An increase in charges for parking permits is one of the options that will be considered by Councillors as part of the overall parking review process.
I’m not sure I can afford an increase in charging for a parking permit, what can I do?
We understand that any increase in service charges can be challenging. Across all our settlements there are alternative parking options for drivers such as parking in free car parks or on street.