Permit changes from 1 March 2026
We are currently undertaking a review of pay parking 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 by Councillors in June 2026 about the parking permit policy. Permit holders will be informed by the end of June of any changes.
In the interim:
- no new parking permits for use in pay and display car parks will be issued
- existing permits will not be renewed from 1 March 2026 onwards - permits that are due to expire from 1 March onwards will still be valid until 30 June 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 we will provide more information then. You may be refunded pro-rata, in full or your permit may be honoured until it is due to expire, no decision has been made at this time. At this time we cannot provide a more definitive or detailed response as the outcome is unknown.
I have already sent in a cheque for the renewal of my March parking permit, will I get it at the existing rate?
No, we are not accepting any renewals from 1 March, so your cheque will be returned to you. You will be able to use your existing permit until 30 June, without having to pay between now and the end of June.
The permit on my car states it will expire on 30 April, will I get a ticket?
No, continue to display the permit on your car as normal until 30 June 2026. The parking attendants will not ticket your vehicle even though your permit has expired. You will be contacted in June with an update on the permit policy.
My permit is due to expire in July, can I buy a new permit now just in case the price increases?
No, we are not issuing any new permits until a decision has been made over the future of the parking permits.
I am about to change my car, and my permit is valid until January 2027, what should I do?
This can be accommodated for the usual administrative fee, call 0300 100 1800 and ask to speak with a member of staff in the parking department to discuss how to do this.
Why is the permit system changing?
We are undertaking a review of the parking service across the Borders. 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 communities there are alternative parking options for drivers, such as parking in free car parks or on street.