In many parts of Cumbria the demand for on-street parking provision outweighs the availability of road side space.  In order to manage that demand, on-street parking is controlled by the use of parking bays, usually with time limits and yellow lines. In some locations, parking is reserved for residents only. In most areas residents living adjacent or near to such parking bays may be eligible for a residents exemption permit. The permits allow vehicles to be parked for unlimited durations within the area or zone the permit applies to. Permits do not guarantee that a parking space will be available and spaces can not be reserved for individuals outside their property. 

Anybody wishing to apply for a parking permit will need to provide proof of identity and proof that the vehicle is registered at the address where they are seeking the permit to operate from.  

Permits are generally issued by the district council on behalf of the County Council.  

Failure to display an up-to-date permit may result in a penalty charge notice being issued.

As well as residents' permits, most parking permit schemes also allow for a number of visitors' permits to be made available for visitors to residents' homes.