Southwark Council has adopted Taranto Permits to deliver a transformative upgrade to its parking permits scheme.
The council has successfully transitioned from an outdated legacy system to a modern, user-centric, digital permits platform. The project was carried out in a tight six-month timeframe.
This initiative has enabled Southwark Council to improve parking services for residents, businesses and visitors, while also enhancing back-office efficiency and user satisfaction. Southwark’s new permits system went live on schedule in November 2024 and now supports over 400,000 active parking permits.
The timing of the project was crucial, as the existing permits system was scheduled to be decommissioned in November 2024. This deadline was particularly challenging because the new system had to be live ahead of the busy Christmas period, when increased visitor traffic makes it vital for residents’ family and friends to park easily. This added significant pressure on the entire team to deliver the project on time.
“The development and delivery of the re-designed permit system in conjunction with the London Borough of Southwark and Taranto is an outstanding example of effective partnership working to benefit Southwark residents and their visitors,”
“This new system saves our administrative team a lot of time as it is easier to use. The integration with Experian, for example, has automated the eligibility process, reducing time spent on validating addresses.”
The success of this project was built on a strong, collaboration between all three partners. Southwark Council, as service commissioner, worked closely with Taranto and APCOA to deliver a fully integrated digital-first permits solution.
Taranto provided hands-on training, data consultancy, tailored support, and onsite guidance during the transition, ensuring internal teams were confident in using the new platform. APCOA played a vital role in aligning enforcement operations with the new permits system, while Southwark led a multi-disciplinary team across all departments involved with permits. This internal strategy was supported by a strong external communications programme to ensure residents and businesses were well-informed and supported throughout the transition.
Southwark is one of London’s most diverse boroughs, with a wide range of parking needs, as well as multiple parking zones. The housing stock is varied, with private housing and residential estates – all with limited parking. Local businesses also need accessible, flexible parking facilities. With limited on-street parking, parking permits need to be well managed and easy to use by residents, businesses and visitors, to reduce anti-social parking and maintain the flow of traffic through the narrow streets. An accessible and intuitive permits system is essential to manage parking across the borough. There is a wide range of permits – adding to the project complexity. These include business permits, on-street residential for private homes or estates, school streets and healthcare workers parking permits, as well as pre-paid visitor vouchers.
Taranto designed a user migration process specifically for Southwark that maintained service continuity, while delivering a cleaner, more secure database. Additionally, integration with third-party solutions such as Experian for address validation, ANPR cameras and API links to enforcement systems have enabled a connected, streamlined permits platform.
Southwark’s multi-disciplinary team was supported during the transition to the new permits system to ensure they felt confident using it. APCOA, Taranto and Southwark jointly facilitated training and interactive sessions for internal teams so that they were able to respond to any questions from members of the community – whether online or via the contact centre. A programme of training for the on-street CEO team was also initiated to familiarise them with the new handheld interface.
Southwark Council wanted to make sure that the transition to the new permits system provided residents and businesses with a positive user experience. At the same time, the council also wanted to be transparent in explaining the changes to permit users. The change also enabled the council to refine their permits offering, so they were able to streamline the range of permits. The new permits portal now enables residents and businesses to manage their own permits, update vehicle details, and apply for new permits at any time, from any device. While most permit applications are now managed online, Southwark has ensured inclusivity by offering an alternative in-person application process. Customers who prefer not to use the online system can apply via a PayPoint facility, providing flexibility for all users.
Taranto Permits eliminates duplication, ensuring cleaner and more accurate data. The integration with Experian facilitated address validation, so applicants no longer need to upload proof of address documentation. This integration was a new enhancement that not only makes permit application easier for the local community, but also reduces the need for administrative checks, improving back-office efficiency.
The new permits system has dramatically improved efficiency and user satisfaction, while freeing up back-office resource. Over 400,000 permit applications have been processed by the back-office, 99% of which are online – allowing back-office staff to focus on other work.
The new online permits portal guides applicants through the process and clearly shows the type of permit they can apply for. Whether the application is for a residential estates permit or an on-street permit, the new system clearly explains the criteria. This has led to a reduction in invalid or duplicate applications, making the process easier for the local community and more efficient for the back-office team.
One of the benefits of Taranto Permits is its digital interface in the standard .Gov format, offering a clear and easy to read screen for accessibility and usability. The portal can be accessed on any device, enabling permit applicants with special needs to use it more easily, in line with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Taranto Permits integrates seamlessly with the council branding and colour palette, ensuring a consistent and familiar interface which can be included in the council website menu.
The new permits system has proven to enhance permit accessibility, streamline back-office administration and provide a more intuitive user interface in line with the established council website. The project to improve Southwark’s parking permit system has contributed to better management of Southwark’s streets, reduced anti-social parking and supported the borough’s traffic flow in one of London’s most complex urban areas.
For more information on Taranto Permits,