Decriminalised Parking Enforcement explained

The new arrangements start Monday 4th September 2006. From this date the Police cease to have any powers to enforce yellow lines and other parking restrictions. All enforcement is now carried out by and on behalf of North Wiltshire District Council.

Q2: If parking is now decriminalised, does this mean I can park where I like?

No. Although parking offences have been decriminalised, other powers have been given to local authorities to allow them to enforce parking restrictions. The Police or Traffic Wardens will not be enforcing parking restrictions. Council employed Parking Attendants will take over the role and the increased level of enforcement under DPE means that you are much more likely to receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if you contravene the regulations both on street and in car parks.

Q3: Where and when will enforcement take place?

DPE covers most roads and car parks within the District of North Wiltshire, the main exemptions being the Motorway’s. Enforcement could be carried out on any day and at any time that a waiting or parking restriction is in force.

Q4: How much will a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cost?

For all contraventions both on street and in a car park the PCN is £60, this is reduced to £30 if the notice is paid within 14 days of issue. If you don’t make payment or respond to letters sent to you the charge will increase to £90.

Q5: Will parking attendants have targets to meet and issue PCNs to everyone just to achieve them?

No, there will be no target for the number of PCNs that a parking attendant must issue. All parking attendants will undergo comprehensive training to achieve nationally recognised standards of competence.

Q6: What are the benefits of local enforcement?

Local enforcement will keep North Wiltshire moving, reduce dangerous and inconvenient parking, support local businesses, support town centre needs, assist loading and unloading, improve road safety and assist blue badge holders.

Q7: Is this another fund raising exercise”?

No. Income from enforcement will come only from drivers who have contravened parking regulations. Payments received will help fund the cost of providing the enforcement and parking service.

Q8: Will these changes mean local businesses and shops suffer?

No. Areas of short-term parking such as outside local shops will receive better enforcement. As drivers will no longer be able to park for longer than permitted it will be easier to find a space when you need it. It should also be easier for businesses to load and unload.

Q9: Will vehicles be clamped or towed away?

At the present time it is not intended to introduce clamping or vehicle removals. It is an option that is available and could be considered at some time in the future.

Q10: Will the Police be responsible for any parking enforcement?

The Police will not be responsible for enforcing any permanent waiting, loading or parking restrictions. The Police will continue to issue parking tickets for parking on pedestrian crossing zigzags as this offence also carries penalty points and will also continue to deal with obstruction and all moving traffic offences.

Q11: How will the new parking attendants be different from the traffic wardens?

Although parking attendants will have a similar role to that of the Traffic Wardens, they will be employed by the local authority and not the police. Parking attendants will issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) not parking tickets. Parking Attendants will wear uniforms and be easily recognisable.