Apply for a firefighter's permit
Contents
Apply
If you don't already have an account (for your parking permit), you'll need to create one.
You'll need access to an email account to apply online. Need help setting up an email account?
View our permit user guides for help creating an account.
Note that permits are 'virtual'. You will not receive a physical permit to display in your car. The cameras at the charging locations will read your number plate and check for a linked permit.
What you need to know
The free firefighter's permit allows unlimited travel through all six congestion charging locations during charging hours.
The permit only covers the car when it is used for qualifying purposes.
- you are limited to 1 permit
- you can add up to 3 cars to your permit
- your permit only covers the car set as active in your account at the end of the day (23:59)
- if you travel through a congestion charge location in a car not set as active without paying, you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
- the permit must not be used for private travel
- the permit must not be used for commuting on days when you don’t expect to make any operational journeys
How long your permit lasts
Your permit will be valid for 12 months.
You cannot use your permit until we confirm that we have approved your application. Your permit will not be available to use until the scheme begins.
Who can get a firefighter's permit
To qualify:
- you must be a firefighter employed by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
- you must use your vehicle within the Oxford permit area or the central permit area for operational/business travel or for emergency response purposes
In addition, the car(s) on your application must be one of the following:
- registered to you
- if not registered to you, it must be registered at your home address
What you need to get a firefighter's permit
You must provide the following evidence to support your application:
- the V5C (logbook) or V5C alternative (listed below) of each car on your application
- if the car is registered to you, the submitted document(s) must show your full name
- if the car is not registered to you, the submitted document(s) must show your home address
- a letter or email dated within the last 12 months from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service:
- showing your name
- confirming your eligibility
V5C alternatives
You can use the following documents in place of your V5C:
- the most recent vehicle tax reminder showing your full name, address and postcode
- a garage sales invoice or new keeper supplement (V5C2) - if the vehicle has been purchased within the last 6 weeks
A V5C not registered in your name
If the V5C of the car you use is not registered in your name, you can apply for a permit using one of the following alternatives.
For a company car, you must provide:
- a copy of the V5C
- a letter or email from your employer showing your full name and confirming that only you use the car
For a long-term lease, hire-purchase or other financial agreement, you must provide:
- a copy of the lease agreement showing your full name and address
Add or change vehicles on your permit
- add a car to your account (select 'vehicles' on the account menu)
- change the car on your permit (select 'my permits' on the account menu)
View our permit user guides to learn how to add or change cars on your permit.