Rabbis and Rastafarians will soon be able to park in residents' bays without fear of incurring a £60 fine.

A new permit introduced by Barnet Council will allow people carrying out religious duties to use residents' parking bays, to avoid the struggle to find a parking space.

A council spokesman said the scheme would give them better access to vulnerable residents in times of spiritual need.

Councillor Mike Freer, leader of the council, added: "The importance of religion to many Barnet residents cannot be underestimated and the council has acknowledged this with a policy that will assist spiritual leaders when engaging with people in times of illness or crisis.

"This new permit shows our commitment to improving the quality of life for local residents and increasing wider participation for all in religious, cultural and community life."

Religions currently recognised by the council include Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Rastafarianism, Sikhism, Unitarianism and Zoroastrianism.

Applications from any other religions will be considered "on their own merit" in consultation with the Barnet Multi-Faith Forum, according to the council.

In the 2001 census 390,000 people across England and Wales declared that their religion was "Jedi", a belief inspired by the conflict between good and evil in the Star Wars series of films.

Census officials bowed to public pressure to include Jedi on the list of chosen religions, but it remains to be seen if the parking badge will be awarded to people carrying out Jedi duties.

The first permit will cost applicants £40 a year, with additional permits registered to the same address costing £70.

To apply for a permit call the Parking Permits team on 020 8359 7516 or visit barnet.gov.uk