Fitted furniture arrives in a van, in sections, along with tools and fixings. In much of London, parking that van near your front door takes some planning. Controlled parking zones, red routes and charging zones all affect where and how a tradesperson can park.
This guide explains the main rules in plain terms, so you know what to check for your street. Rules change and vary from borough to borough, so always check the details with your council or TfL.
Controlled parking zones
Much of London is covered by controlled parking zones, often called CPZs. They’re run by the boroughs, so the rules depend on which council your street is in. A CPZ usually limits parking to permit holders, paid bays or certain times of day. Signs at the entry to the zone and on the street show when controls apply.
In a CPZ, a van usually needs one of these:
- a visitor permit, where the council allows them for tradespeople
- a paid bay nearby
- a parking bay suspension, which the council arranges.
Check your council’s website for what applies on your street. The rules can differ even between neighbouring roads.
Bay suspensions
A bay suspension sets aside part of the street for a vehicle for a set time. It’s arranged through the council, often with notice, so it can’t usually be organised on the day. Each borough has its own process. If your street is busy or has few bays, a suspension can make loading and unloading much easier.
Red routes
Red routes are major roads marked with red lines. They’re run by TfL rather than the boroughs, and they have strict stopping rules. Stopping, loading or unloading may be banned at certain times or completely. If your home is on or next to a red route, it helps to know where the nearest side street or loading bay is. TfL explains the rules on its red routes page.
Thinking about fitted furniture? We design, make and fit it across London: we visit, measure and talk through the design, then send a written quote. Arrange a design visit.
ULEZ and the Congestion Charge
The Ultra Low Emission Zone, or ULEZ, covers all London boroughs since 29 August 2023. Vehicles that don’t meet its emission standards are charged to drive within it. TfL’s ULEZ page explains how it works.
The Congestion Charge zone covers central London, including the whole City of London. Vehicles driving in the zone during its operating hours are charged. See TfL’s Congestion Charge page for the details.
Tell us about parking at the design visit
The best time to talk about parking is at the design visit, when we’re at your home. It helps to tell us:
- whether your street is in a CPZ, and its hours
- whether visitor permits are available
- whether there’s a driveway, a loading bay or a quieter side street nearby
- whether you’re on or close to a red route
- any building rules about deliveries, if you live in a flat.
With that information we can plan how the furniture gets from the van to the room.
Access from the street to the room
Parking is only part of the journey. Narrow Victorian hallways, tight stair turns, mansion block lifts and concierge booking rules all affect how furniture gets in. That’s why furniture is made in sections sized for the route. See getting your room ready for fitting day and how to measure for fitted furniture.
Quick answers
Who runs parking on my street?
Controlled parking zones are run by the boroughs, so your council sets the rules. Red routes are run by TfL.
How do I get a parking bay suspended?
Through your council. Each borough has its own process, and it often needs notice.
Does the ULEZ cover my area?
The ULEZ covers all London boroughs since 29 August 2023. TfL’s website has the details.
Is the City of London in the Congestion Charge zone?
Yes. The Congestion Charge zone covers central London, including the whole City of London.
Related services
More advice
- Getting Your Room Ready for Fitting Day
- What Happens at a Design Visit
- How to Measure a Room for Fitted Furniture
- Fitted Furniture in Mansion Block Flats
- All advice
This guide is general information about fitted furniture. It isn’t legal, planning or building advice; for those, speak to the council, your landlord or managing agent, or a suitably qualified professional.