This page sets out the process for applying for a free School Streets permit in Bristol.

For further information on Bristol’s School Streets, including the timed restrictions for individual streets, please visit travelwest.info/schoolstreets. We want to encourage everyone to avoid driving in School Streets during the restricted hours where possible. However, the following drivers can apply for an exemption to these restrictions:

• Residents within the School Street (up to 2 vehicles per address)
• Care workers serving a property within the School Street

Further exemptions will apply to vehicles dropping off or picking up pupils with special educational needs or disabilities, emergency service vehicles, and certain other service and utility vehicles.

If you have a Blue Badge then you may access the School Street at any time providing the Blue Badge is displayed in your vehicle. You do not need to apply for a separate School Streets permit.

Please note, the following vehicle drivers cannot apply for an exemption (unless eligible under one of the criteria above), and will be liable to a penalty change notice if they enter the School Street zone during the operational times:

• Residents living outside the School Street
• Parents/carers dropping off/collecting children at the school
• Friends and relatives of residents in the School Street
• Tradespeople
• Delivery vehicles

If there is an exceptional reason why you should be exempt which has not been included in the above criteria, please email [email protected]. We will consider granting special exemptions on a case-by-case basis.

Any vehicle that is already within the School Street area prior to the time that the restrictions begin will be able to leave without penalty.

During school holidays the signs will be folded away, and no School Street permits will be required.

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How to apply for an exemption

If you meet one of the criteria for exemption, you can apply by completing this online form.

Alternatively, you can download a paper copy of this form and scan / photograph a copy of the relevant documents listed below and email them to [email protected], or send via post to School Streets Team, PO BOX 3399, 100 Temple Street, Bristol, BS1 9NE.

Please note that the below file may not be accessible for people using assistive technology. Please use the online application form as an accessible format. If you require further assistance please contact Bristol City Council at [email protected].

Required documents

In order for the application to be completed, you will need to provide the following documentation:

What happens after you apply

We will post the permit to the resident or carer. Please allow up to 10 working days for us to process new applications or change of vehicle requests.

The permit will need to be clearly displayed in the registered vehicle’s windscreen or on the dashboard when entering the School Street zone during its operational times. Motorcyclists may choose to carry the permit but must produce it on request.

School Street permits do not have an expiry date but will be reviewed on an annual basis.

For full terms and conditions please click here. Failure to comply with the permit terms and conditions may result in the issue of a penalty charge notice and the permit being cancelled.

Online application form

School Street Permit Terms and Conditions

1. Permits are for residents or carers of residents living in a School Street Zone as defined in the relevant Traffic Regulation Order, and can only be used to access the School Street zone in which they live during the School Street operational times.
2. A maximum of two permits can be issued to a household and are registered against specific individual vehicle registration plates. 
3. Permits are free of charge and the scheme will be reviewed on an annual basis.
4. A School Street permit will allow you to enter the School Street zone during the operational times. It does not exempt permit holders from breaching any parking restrictions. If you park in contravention of any parking restrictions, you may be issued with a penalty charge notice. 
5. The permit will be issued in a self-adhesive sticker form and will need to be clearly displayed in the registered vehicle’s windscreen or on the dashboard when entering the School Street zone during its operational times. Motorcyclists may choose to carry the permit but must produce it on request.
6. The permit is non-transferable and cannot be used in any other vehicle.
7. You must surrender the permit to Bristol City Council in the event of any of the following:
   1. You cease to reside at the address for which the permit has been issued
   2. You cease to provide care for a resident at the address for which the permit has been issued
   3. You dispose of, or cease to use the vehicle for which the permit has been issued
   4. If the Council withdraws the permit or it ceases to be valid for any reason.
8. 10 working days’ notice must be given for new applications or for change of vehicle requests. You will not be able to enter the School Street zone until you receive your permit.
9. It remains the permit holder’s responsibility to ensure the vehicle registration numbers are correctly provided and any vehicle changes updated. An incorrect vehicle registration number may lead to the issue of a fixed penalty notice when entering the School Street zone during its operational times.
10. Obtaining or possessing a permit through false or fraudulent information, including the sale or transfer of permits, will invalidate the permit(s) with immediate effect. Anyone identified will have their future permit entitlement reviewed. 
11. All permits remain the property of Bristol City Council, who retain the right to withdraw it when not used in accordance with these terms and conditions.
12. Bristol City Councils reserves the right to change the terms and conditions by giving you 28 days’ notice. The terms and conditions advertised on the website will be the current valid terms and conditions for use of School Streets permits.
13. Bristol City Council reserves the right to request at any time any exemption documents to check that permit holders continue to meet the exemption requirements.
14. To see how Bristol City Council uses your information, please refer to our Privacy Notice.