Moving house in London or Kent can be stressful enough without discovering that your removal van has nowhere to park. Parking restrictions can impact your move in London & Kent more than many people realise — causing delays, fines, and unnecessary stress if not properly managed.
At ASP Removals, we’ve completed thousands of moves across busy residential areas, high-traffic streets, and permit-controlled zones. Understanding how to plan around local restrictions is key to a smooth, efficient moving day.
Why Parking Restrictions Matter on Moving Day
In London and many Kent towns, on-street parking is heavily regulated. Councils often enforce controlled parking zones (CPZs), residents-only bays, loading limits, or yellow-line restrictions that can prevent large vehicles from stopping outside your property.
If your removals van can’t park safely or legally:
- The team may have to carry belongings further, increasing time and cost.
- You could face parking fines or enforcement penalties.
- Loading times may be limited, disrupting carefully planned schedules.
In short, even the best-packed move can fall behind if parking access isn’t arranged in advance.
Common Restrictions in London & Kent
Different boroughs and councils operate their own systems. Here’s a quick overview of the most common types our team deals with daily:
- Resident Permit Bays – Reserved for residents during certain hours. A visitor or removal permit is often required.
- Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) – Operating hours can range from weekday mornings to 24-hour restrictions.
- Single and Double Yellow Lines – Loading or unloading is typically allowed for short periods, but time limits vary.
- Pay & Display or Pay-by-Phone Spaces – Can be used by removals vans only with valid payment and within limits.
- Suspensions or Dispensations – Temporary parking exemptions granted by local councils for moving vehicles.
Knowing which applies to your address is crucial.
For full information on London’s CPZs, visit the official GOV.UK parking restrictions guide
How Parking Restrictions Can Impact Your Move in London & Kent
Our removals team often sees how parking restrictions can impact your move in London & Kent in unexpected ways:
- Extended loading distances – If we can’t park outside, heavy furniture may need to be carried further, adding time.
- Traffic congestion – Busy streets can make it difficult for large vehicles to manoeuvre.
- Higher risk of damage – Longer carries and tight spaces can increase the risk of minor scrapes or accidents.
- Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) – Fines can exceed £100 if vehicles stop in restricted bays without permits.
- Rescheduled moves – In severe cases, moves must be postponed until suitable access is arranged.
This is why we always encourage customers to discuss parking during the initial removals survey.
The Importance of a Pre-Move Survey
Before every job, our experienced surveyors carry out a detailed removals survey to plan for access, parking, and timings. This allows us to identify any parking restrictions that might affect your property in advance.
During your appointment, we’ll:
- Check for nearby permit zones or loading limits.
- Measure distances from kerbside to doorway.
- Assess vehicle size and entry routes.
- Provide guidance on whether you’ll need a permit or dispensation.
For a breakdown of what to expect, see our full guide:
Removals Survey: What to Expect Before You Move
How to Arrange Parking Permits for Your Move
If you live in a controlled area, most councils offer temporary parking dispensations for removal vehicles. These allow us to park close to your home legally while loading or unloading.
Step 1 – Check with your local authority
Contact your borough or district council at least a week before your move. They’ll confirm whether a dispensation or suspension is required.
Step 2 – Provide your removal company details
You’ll usually need our vehicle registration and company information (which we’ll happily supply).
Step 3 – Display the permit clearly
Once granted, the permit must be visible in the vehicle windscreen on moving day.
Our team can guide you through this process and, in some boroughs, apply on your behalf.
How ASP Removals Helps You Avoid Fines
Because parking restrictions can impact your move in London & Kent, we plan every job around access from the start. Here’s how we keep things simple:
- We’ll advise on local parking rules for your postcode.
- We’ll suggest the best permit options or help complete the council form.
- On the day, our drivers use approved loading zones whenever available.
- We can adjust our arrival times to avoid restricted hours or rush-hour congestion.
This practical approach ensures your move remains efficient and compliant with local regulations.
Examples from Real Moves
We’ve handled hundreds of moves across boroughs like Greenwich, Lewisham, and Dartford — all with their own parking rules.
- In Greenwich, dispensations are often required for weekday morning moves near schools.
- In Bromley, single yellow restrictions typically apply until 6.30pm.
- In Dartford, residential streets can have limited turning space, making early communication with neighbours helpful.
Our familiarity with these patterns helps prevent last-minute surprises and ensures that even complex access moves stay on track.
If you’re moving within these areas, explore our local service pages:
When Storage or Delayed Delivery Helps
Sometimes, parking restrictions make same-day delivery impractical — especially in narrow London streets or multi-storey developments. In these cases, we can use secure storage to hold your belongings safely until access improves.
Learn more about our facilities here:
Storage Services in Kent & London
What Happens If You Ignore Parking Rules
Ignoring restrictions can quickly become expensive. Local authorities issue thousands of Penalty Charge Notices every week, and enforcement officers rarely make exceptions.
Even if you’re “just unloading,” certain boroughs require permits regardless. It’s always cheaper and easier to plan ahead than risk a fine or vehicle tow.
How to Make Your Move Stress-Free
To keep your moving day running smoothly:
- Book your removals survey early.
- Discuss any parking restrictions with our office team.
- Apply for dispensations at least five working days before your move.
- Keep the permit visible in the removal vehicle.
- Notify neighbours if we’ll temporarily use shared access.
At ASP Removals, we coordinate every step with you to ensure compliance, safety, and efficiency.
Final Thoughts from ASP Removals
Parking restrictions are one of the most overlooked parts of moving house, yet they can cause some of the biggest problems. With professional planning and local knowledge, they’re easy to manage.
Whether you’re relocating a flat in South East London or a family home in Kent, our experts understand exactly how parking restrictions can impact your move in London & Kent — and how to avoid them.
Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on settling into your new home.
Contact ASP Removals today for friendly advice or to book your survey.
