Parking during a house move in Central London requires more planning than almost anywhere else in the UK. Every Central London borough operates controlled parking zones, and removal vans cannot simply pull up and start loading. Without a parking bay suspension, your movers risk fines, forced relocation mid-job, or being unable to park at all.
This guide covers parking suspension rules, costs, and notice periods for each Central London borough: Westminster, Camden, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, and the City of London. Rules and fees differ significantly between boroughs, so check the details for your specific area.
Why You Need a Parking Suspension
A parking suspension temporarily reserves one or more parking bays outside your property for your exclusive use during the move. The council installs official yellow signs in advance, making the restriction legally enforceable. Any vehicle parked there during your suspension can be ticketed or removed.
Without a suspension, several problems can occur. Enforcement officers can issue penalty charge notices (PCNs) while your movers are actively loading—some central boroughs are extremely strict about this. If no space is available near your property, movers may need to carry items 50-100 metres, significantly increasing time and cost. Council officers can force the van to relocate mid-job, causing major delays. Some removal companies will refuse to unload if parking is unsafe or illegal.
Most London removal vans are long-wheelbase Luton vans, typically 6.5-7 metres long. A single parking bay (around 5-6 metres) is often too short, which is why many moves require suspending two bays to fit the van safely.
Westminster
Westminster City Council operates one of London’s most extensive controlled parking regimes, covering virtually every street in the borough.
Costs: Westminster charges £55-£105 per day per bay, with pricing based on vehicle emissions. Lower-emission vehicles pay less; pre-2015 diesels face a surcharge. This emissions-based charging has been in operation since April 2024.
Notice required: Apply at least 5-7 working days before your move date. Applications can be made online through the Westminster council website.
Key details: If you need to suspend more than 20 resident bays, alternative parking spaces must be provided for permit holders (charged separately). Dedicated bays (disabled, diplomatic, car club, EV charging) require a like-for-like alternative if suspended.
Apply at: westminster.gov.uk/parking/suspensions-dispensations-skips/parking-bay-suspensions
Camden
Camden Council offers one of the more generous policies for domestic removals.
Costs: The first day is free for domestic removals, covering up to three parking spaces. Additional days or spaces are charged at standard rates (approximately £65-£120 per day depending on bay type and location).
Notice required: Camden requires 17 working days’ advance notice for suspension applications. This is longer than most London boroughs—plan well ahead.
Key details: Applications submitted with less than 17 days’ notice may be declined or subject to additional short-notice fees. Camden’s controlled parking zones are extensive and actively enforced, particularly around King’s Cross, Camden Town, and the university areas near Bloomsbury.
Apply at: camden.gov.uk/parking-bay-suspensions
Islington
Islington Council offers free parking suspensions for residents—one of the few London boroughs to do so.
Costs: Parking suspensions are free in Islington. However, a £100 administration fee applies if you don’t provide sufficient notice.
Notice required: For resident parking bays, apply at least 14 days in advance. For pay-by-phone bays, apply at least 10 working days in advance. If you give less than the required notice, your application may be declined or the £100 short-notice fee will apply.
Key details: Each parking space is calculated as 5 metres. Islington cannot suspend yellow lines, zebra crossings, or keep-clear areas. Suspension signs are typically displayed 10 days before the suspension begins. The council strongly recommends providing a screenshot of the exact location from their parking map when applying.
Apply at: islington.gov.uk/parking/parking-permits/suspend-a-parking-bay
Kensington & Chelsea
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea operates one of London’s most expensive parking suspension schemes.
Costs: £72 per day per space for the first 5 days, £108 per day for days 6-42, and £144 per day from day 43 onwards. These rates make K&C considerably more expensive than neighbouring boroughs for longer suspensions.
Notice required: Standard applications require 7 working days’ notice for resident bays. Short-notice applications (less than 5 working days) can be processed but incur a £371 additional fee on top of the standard charges.
Key details: K&C has strict enforcement, particularly in high-value residential areas like Chelsea, Notting Hill, and South Kensington. Many streets have limited parking and high demand, so book early. Some streets have additional restrictions during certain hours.
Apply at: rbkc.gov.uk (search for “parking bay suspension”)
City of London
The City of London (the Square Mile) has very limited residential parking, as it’s primarily a financial and commercial district.
Costs and process: Parking suspensions in the City are handled through the City of London Corporation rather than a traditional borough council. Costs and notice periods vary depending on the specific location and circumstances.
Key details: Most residents in the City live in the Barbican estate, which has its own parking arrangements separate from street parking. If you’re moving to or from the City, check whether your building has loading access or whether you need a street suspension. Contact the City Corporation’s parking team directly for guidance.
Apply at: cityoflondon.gov.uk (contact the parking team)
ULEZ and Congestion Charge
Central London moves involve additional driving costs that affect both you and your removal company.
ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone): Covers all of Greater London, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except Christmas Day). Non-compliant vehicles (generally petrol vehicles not meeting Euro 4 or diesel not meeting Euro 6) pay £12.50 per day. Most modern removal vans are compliant, but confirm with your removal company if using an older vehicle.
Congestion Charge: The Central London Congestion Charge zone covers Westminster, parts of Camden, and the City. The charge is £15 per day (rising to £18 from 2 January 2026), operating Monday to Friday 7am-6pm and Saturday to Sunday 12pm-6pm. Some removal companies factor this into quotes for central London moves; others add it separately.
There are no exemptions for removal vans in either scheme. The EV exemption for the Congestion Charge ended on 25 December 2025, replaced by a 25% discount for electric vehicles using Auto Pay.
How Many Bays Do You Need?
For a small van (medium wheelbase), one bay is usually sufficient. For a standard Luton van used in most house moves, two bays are typically needed to fit the full length of the vehicle safely. If you’re unsure, discuss with your removal company—they can advise based on the vehicle they’ll send and the street layout at your address.
In narrow streets common in areas like Camden terraces, Islington Victorian streets, or Chelsea mews, two bays are often essential. Insufficient space forces longer carries, increasing both time and cost.
Planning Your Move
Given the notice periods required (up to 17 working days in Camden), parking suspensions should be one of the first things you arrange after confirming your move date. Apply as early as possible—last-minute applications either can’t be processed or incur significant additional fees.
Share the suspension confirmation with your removal company once approved. They’ll need to know the exact location, times, and any restrictions. Good movers will check the setup on arrival and confirm the space is clear before starting.
If you’re planning a Central London move and want to understand the overall costs involved, you can get an instant quote for the removal portion—then budget separately for parking suspensions and any ULEZ or Congestion Charge costs.
