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What is a Parking Bay Suspension?

Public roads with parking bays need a Barking Bay Suspension, find out what you need to know about these here.

- 4 min read

What is a Parking Bay Suspension (and why should you care when hiring a skip)?

If you’re placing a skip on a public road, especially in a controlled parking zone (CPZ) like a residential permit area or pay-and-display bay, you can't just dump it there and hope for the best. You’ll usually need two things:

  1. A skip hire permit from the council

  2. A parking bay suspension

Let’s break it down.

Skip Permit vs. Parking Bay Suspension: What’s the Difference?

  • Skip Permit: This gives your skip legal permission to be on a public highway.

  • Parking Bay Suspension: This temporarily stops anyone else from parking in a specific parking space, so the skip can go there.

You often need both. The skip permit says "the skip can be here," and the bay suspension says "no one else can."

Why Parking Bay Suspensions Matter

Imagine hiring a skip and the lorry turns up… only to find a car parked where it should go. Now it can't be dropped. You waste time, maybe get charged for a failed delivery, and your project grinds to a halt.

A bay suspension gives you exclusive access to that bit of road, so the skip lorry isn’t playing parking-space roulette.

How Much Does a Parking Bay Suspension Cost?

Prices vary by council, but you’re typically looking at:

  • £25–£60 per day in busy London boroughs

  • Some councils also charge admin/setup fees

  • You may need to apply 5–10 working days in advance

Yes, it adds cost. But not having one could cost more in missed deliveries or fines.

If the cost of getting a skip permit is prohibitively expensive, then consider using a man and van service, or find out if the service is right for you with our guide on skip vs man and van rubbish removal services.

How to Apply

In most cases:

  1. Your skip hire company can apply for the permit and bay suspension on your behalf

  2. You just need to tell them where the skip is going

  3. We’ll guide you through this at Skip Hire Comparison when you book, you won’t need to second guess anything.

We know which councils need what, and we’ll flag any extra steps you might need to take.

Quick Tips

  • Double-check: Even residential streets can fall under CPZ rules

  • Give notice: Some councils are strict on timelines

  • Don't wing it: If your skip blocks a bay without permission, you can be fined or forced to move it

TL;DR

If you’re hiring a skip and planning to place it on a public road, especially where cars normally park, you may need a parking bay suspension as well as a skip permit. We help you figure that out, and make sure your skip gets where it needs to be without hassle.