Sussex Estates and Facilities

Carer's permits FAQs

How many spaces for carers are available in total?

Just over 70 spaces are available in campus car parks for carers.

Which car parks are spaces situated in?

Carer spaces are distributed across car parks on campus, currently as follows. 

  • P1 Science car park: 32 spaces
  • P3 Biology car park: 11 spaces
  • P4 Sussex House car park: 14 spaces
  • P7 Arts car park: 7 spaces
  • Lancaster House: 7 spaces
How many of the spaces are allocated to students with caring responsibilities, and how many to staff?

To ensure that all permits are allocated fairly, every carer’s permit application is assessed by the Parking Panel based on the criteria that have been set to determine those applicants with the greatest need for such spaces. The criteria used do not take in to account whether the applicant is a student or member of staff.

I currently have a carer’s permit. Will this be automatically renewed?

Like the holders of regular parking permits, all those who hold an existing carer permit will need to reapply for the new academic year. No permits will be automatically renewed.

Are carer’s permits allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis?

To ensure that all carer’s permits are allocated fairly, every carer’s permit application will be assessed by the Parking Panel based on the criteria that have been set to determine those applicants with the greatest need for such spaces.

I applied for a carer’s permit last year, but wasn’t successful in securing one of the spaces. Will my application be given priority this time?

To ensure that all carer’s permits are allocated fairly, every carer’s permit application will be assessed by the Parking Panel based on the criteria that have been set to determine those applicants with the greatest need for such spaces. No priority is given depending on the previous possession of a carer's permit.

If I have a carer’s permit, am I guaranteed a carer’s space on campus?

No, carer spaces are not individually designated to particular drivers, and are reserved for carers with permits only before 10am. These spaces are open for general use after 10am.

If I have a carer’s permit, does this replace my campus car parking permit, or will I have to display both?

No, you only need to display your carer’s permit, which replaces the regular parking permit for those included in the carer’s parking scheme.

How will I know if I am eligible for a carer’s permit? What are the criteria that define ‘caring responsibilities’?

You may be asked to provide evidence of your caring status, and carers must meet the following minimum criteria:

  • Parent or guardian to a child/children under 12 years of age

or

  • Main carer for an older dependent relative with a disability or special needs
Is there a waiting list for the carer’s scheme? If my friend with a carer’s permit leaves, can I have theirs?

Allocation of carer’s permits is reviewed at least monthly by the Parking Panel and, in the event that a carer relinquishes their carer’s permit, this will be assessed for reallocation by the panel from the applications in hand.

I don’t return from maternity leave until later in the academic year - can I still apply for a carer’s permit at that time?

Yes. Carers can apply at any time during the year. If the allocation of spaces is already at capacity at the time of application, the Parking Panel will review the application in the event that another carer relinquishes their carer’s permit. Allocation of carer’s permits is reviewed at least monthly by the Parking Panel and, in the event that a carer relinquishes their carer’s permit, this will be assessed for reallocation by the panel from the applications in hand.