How to apply for a vehicle parking permit if you have a boat or business on the Bristol Harbour.

Applications for parking permits will open in autumn 2025.

boats on the water with st mary redcliffe church in the distance

Leisure permit for boat owners

You can have a leisure parking permit if you're a boat owner with a mooring in Bristol Harbour. This allows you to park your vehicle:

  • and access your boat for loading and unloading
  • for 30 minutes at a time, with no return for 3 hours
  • in any allocated area on the Bristol Harbour

You can have one permit per boat. Any parked vehicle not displaying a valid permit will be removed.

You must apply for a new parking permit each year. You won't be sent a new one automatically.

No replacement permits can be issued.

Applications for parking permits will open in autumn 2025.

If you change your vehicle

You don't need a new permit if you change your vehicle, as the name of your boat is on the parking permit.

If you buy a boat

The previous owner must pass their parking permit to you as part of the transfer of moorings. If they don't have a parking permit, email docksparking@bristol.gov.uk.

Commercial permits

You can apply for commercial parking permits if you have a business, charity or educational group based on the Bristol Docks. These permits allow you to park at certain times in an agreed location. You can apply for more than one permit.

Any parked vehicle not displaying a valid permit will be removed.

No replacement permits can be issued.

Applications for parking permits will open in autumn 2025.

If you change your vehicle

You don't need a new permit if you change your vehicle as the name of your business is on the parking permit.

If your circumstances changes

You must tell us straightaway if your circumstances change. For example, if you change your business name, address or contact details or your business closes down. Email docksparking@bristol.gov.uk.