Permit: Loading and unloading

Loading and unloading in the restricted traffic area in Ghent.

Here you can find more information about the policy for obtaining a permit to load and unload in the restricted traffic area.

You are:

  • An employer, hotel or catering business or a commercial business in the restricted traffic area, without any garages or parking spaces of your own.
  • A hotel or catering business in the restricted traffic area: you need to load and unload because of an extra activity at your business (for example: musicians who come to collect or drop off instruments or other materials)
  • A supplier who is not established in the restricted traffic area and does not have access to a garage or parking space in the restricted traffic area.
  • A resident of the restricted traffic area who is not domiciled in that zone (for example: students in student accommodation, or consuls and diplomats), who does not have access to a garage or parking space, for example when you need to transport large purchases.

Why do you need a permit?

  • If you load or unload goods, working materials or raw materials in the restricted traffic area.
  • If you have a company in the restricted traffic area where goods, working materials or raw materials are loaded or unloaded.

How do you request a permit?

  • Through the online service desk: www.stad.gent/autovrijgebied/vergunningen
  • When requesting a permit at the online service desk, please mention the start and end date (you will not be given a permit for longer than necessary).
  • You can request a permit for several vehicle registration plates at the online service desk.

What are the features, conditions and limitations of the permit?

  • You can only enter the restricted traffic area for which the permit is valid at specific times:
    • From 6 p.m until 11 a.m. in all restricted traffic areas, except the restricted traffic area around the Overpoortstraat.
    • From 5 a.m. until 7 p.m. in the restricted traffic area around the Overpoortstraat.
  • The permit is linked to a vehicle registration plate.
  • The permit is only valid on the days on which the permit is allowed.
  • Your permit is valid for 1 year maximum and can be renewed at the online service desk.
  • The Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (KBO, Kruispuntbank voor Ondernemingen) will be consulted to check that your main activity is that of a supplier, hotel and catering business or commercial business.
  • You are free to choose the section, and therefore also the access route, from where you want to enter the restricted traffic area.