About the different types of parking permits staff can apply for to park in the University City Area. Staff and students must ensure they have a valid permit in order to park in University car parks.There are three different types of permit available. The application process determines the type of permit you are eligible for.Permits are virtual and validated by number plate recognition. No physical permit will be issued for display on vehicles.City permits may also be used in King's Buildings and Easter Bush car parks. They cannot be used at BioQuarter.Staff and Student City A - Essential User PermitThis is an annual permit for members of staff and students for whom it is essential to use their vehicle every day.Staff and Student City A parking permit holders may park in all City car parks.The annual cost for this permit type is £330There are three payment options for this permit type:Three month option – annual cost divided over four payments Six month option – annual cost divided over two paymentsTwelve month option – one payment in full Permit increases year on year 2025-2030YearPermit Charge2025£3302026£4402027£5502028£6602029£7702030£880Staff and Student Zero Emissions City A - Essential User PermitThis is an annual permit for members of staff and students for whom it is essential to use their vehicle every day and who drive a zero emission vehicle.Zero Emission Staff and Student City A parking permit holders may park in all City car parks.Zero Emission Staff and Student City A parking permit holders may make use of the University charge points for a maximum of 4 hours per day (one visit) and will be charged at a discounted rate of £0.25 per kwh. Chargecards are available from the Parking Office and can be requested by emailing transport@ed.ac.uk. Once a chargecard has been issued, users require to register with Chargeplace Scotland and provide a payment card which will be charged each use: Charge Place Scotland Zero emission permits are currently charged at 50% of the annual cost for a non-zero emission vehicle. In 2026 this will rise to 75% and thereafter charges will increase and be in line with non-zero emission permits.There are three payment options for this permit type:Three month option – annual cost divided over four payments Six month option – annual cost divided over two paymentsTwelve month option – one payment in fullPermit increases year on year 2025-2030YearPermit Charge2025£1652026£3302027£5502028£6602029£7702030£880Staff and Student City B – Essential User PermitThis is a pay-as-you-go permit for members of staff and students for whom it is essential to use their vehicle, but not on a daily basis, for example part-time staff. Pay as you go permits are charged for half day or full day usage.Staff and Student City B parking permit holders may park in all City car parks.Permit increases year on year 2025-2030YearDaily Parking Voucher Charge - Full day/Half Day Voucher2025£1.50/£0.75 2026£2.00/£1.002027£2.50/£1.252028£3.00/£1.502029£3.50/£1.752030£4.00/£2.00B Permit Holders must purchase and activate daily or half-daily vouchers on days they wish to park. If both full day and half day use is required, an application for both should be submitted.B permits without a valid voucher activated will be considered to be parked without authorisation and will be issued with a parking charge notice.Staff and Student Zero Emissions City B - Essential User PermitThis is a pay-as-you-go permit for members of staff and students for whom it is essential to use their vehicle, but not on a daily basis, for example part-time staff and who drive a zero emission vehicle. Pay as you go permits are charged for half day or full day usage.Staff and Student City B parking permit holders may park in all City car parks.Zero Emission Staff and Student City B parking permit holders may make use of the University charge points for a maximum of 4 hours per day (one visit) and will be charged at a discounted rate of £0.25 per kwh. Chargecards are available from the Parking Office and can be requested by emailing transport@ed.ac.uk. Once a chargecard has been issued, users require to register with Chargeplace Scotland and provide a payment card which will be charged each use: Charge Place Scotland Zero emission permits are currently charged at 50% of the annual cost for a non-zero emission vehicle. In 2026 this will rise to 75% and thereafter charges will increase and be in line with non-zero emission permits.Permit increases year on year 2025-2030YearDaily Parking Voucher Charge - Full day/Half Day Voucher2025£0.75/£0.382026£1.50/£0.752027£2.50/£1.252028£3.00/£1.502029£3.50/£1.752030£4.00/£2.00Zero Emission B Permit Holders must purchase and activate daily or half-daily vouchers on days they wish to park. If both full day and half day use is required, a Zero Emission application for both should be submitted.Zero Emission B permits without a valid voucher activated will be considered to be parked without authorisation and will be issued with a parking charge notice.City Day PermitsStaff and students who do not meet the criteria in order to qualify for City A or B parking permits may purchase a maximum of 20 daily parking vouchers within any year. They allow one day of parking and may be used in any City car park.Cost of a daily parking voucher – £13.00City permit parking mapA map showing all city car park locations can also be viewed by visiting: www.ed.ac.uk/maps/mapsRefundsRefunds can be issued by the Parking Office on City A permits that are no longer required.Vouchers are non-refundable. This article was published on 2024-02-13
