City centre permits

This page contains information on City Centre parking permits which are available to anyone who comes into Sunderland city centre and uses council run car parks.

City Centre Permits

There are a number of permits available in the City Centre which are detailed below.

Gold and Silver Permits

Sunderland City Council's city centre parking permit scheme is available to anyone who comes into Sunderland city centre and uses council run car parks.

There are two types of permits available a gold or silver permit that will allow parking at any time (subject to availability) in council controlled multi storey and off street car parks (with the exception of Prince/South Street and Central Area car parks which are reserved for private permit holders).

Gold permit (£1,350 per year) - This allows a permit holder to park in any council car park in the city centre:

• St Mary's
• Sunniside
• Boughton Street
• High Street West
• Tatham Street
• Nile Street
• Charles Street
• West Wear Street
• Gorse Road

Gold Permit holders will be issued with key fobs in order to access and exit St Mary's and Sunniside car parks which are pay on foot car parks and are barrier controlled. You must display your permit at all times.

Replacement key fobs, magnetic passes and permits will incur a £10 administration charge.

Silver permit (£900 per year) - This allows a permit holder to park in the following car parks:

• High Street West
• Tatham Street
• Nile Street
• Charles Street
• West Wear Street
• Gorse Road

The permit cost is based on an annual permit if you require a permit for another period (for example one, two or three months); a £10 administration charge will apply in addition to the permit cost.

Conditions of use

• Only one registration number on the permit will be allowed
• There is no guarantee of a parking space, with availability on a first-come, first-served basis
• Access to car parks will be relevant to the operating hours
• The permit can only be used in the car parks indicated on the front of the permit and must be permanently on display in the vehicle's windscreen while parked in the council controlled car parks
• Any change of permit or an application for a permit for less than a 12 month period will incur a £10 administration fee
• Replacement of key fobs and magnetic passes will incur a £10 administration charge
• Permits may be surrendered at any time but refunds will only be given based on the value of any unused full months remaining
• Determination of eligibility will remain at the council's discretion

There are three car parks in the City Centre which are for permit holders only.

Prince Street and South Street car parks which are located to the rear of Jacky Whites market. All bays are numbered and permits holders are allocated a bay (s) for their sole use.

Central Car Park is located above Jacky Whites market and is a secure car park. The access and egress are controlled by an electronic fob operated gated system.

The costs for the permits are as follows:

Please note: All permit holders must comply with the parking regulations and any contravention of the regulations may result in a Penalty Charge Notice being issued.

How do I Apply for a Permit

If you would like to apply for a permit or require further information please contact Parking Services on 0191 561 7835 or email parking@sunderland.gov.uk

Apply for a city centre parking permit

How do I Pay for a Permit

Payment can be made by cash, credit/debit car, cheque or postal order (made payable to Sunderland City Council)  or a direct debit can be made.