Permit: Loading and unloading

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.