Civil parking enforcement
What is CPE?
Wiltshire Council manages a system of Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE), previously known as DPE decriminalised parking enforcement. This means that the Council has taken over the responsibility for enforcement of on-street parking restrictions from the Police. Under the previous legislation the previous District Councils was responsible for enforcement of all off-street car parks and Wiltshire Police were responsible for all on-street parking enforcement.
Under CPE, the Council took on the management of both on and off street parking enforcement which enables us to direct resources to specific problem areas.
No changes have been made to parking controls as part of the preparatory work for the CPE process, however with improved enforcement, parking patterns tend to change, as previously illegally parked vehicles move to unrestricted areas. The Council is responsible for making any changes to the legal orders behind these restrictions and requests for changes to the existing controls are considered during a general review process.
When and where will the new system come into force?
The previous system of decriminalised parking enforcement automatically transferred to civil enforcement under the provisions of the Traffic Management Act on 31st March 2008
Why change enforcement?
The Council has a duty to manage the streets for the benefit of all road users and residents. Consequently controls and restrictions are introduced for reasons of safety, traffic flow, environment and access. These controls and restrictions require effective enforcement to ensure that the objectives are met. Over recent years the Police have limited resources to address the problem and the resultant abuse of parking controls has been a particular concern both to the Authorities and the general public. Introducing a new enforcement system therefore improves road space management by promoting responsible parking and improving traffic flow. It also allows the Police to target their resources towards crime reduction and community policing issues.
What are the Benefits:?
- A co-ordinated and locally accountable parking enforcement service can be achieved across the County both on and off-street.
- Roads can be kept clear of illegally parked vehicles which create safety and obstruction issues.
- Improved enforcement supports town centre needs by encouraging use of long stay car parks to free up the short stay places.
- An improved turnover of short stay parking restrictions benefits the commercial viability of town centers.
- Improved enforcement helps blue badge holders by ensuring that the dedicated spaces are not abused.
- Residents parking schemes are able to be introduced and enforced effectively.
How Does it Affect Parking Operations?
The Council employ enforcement officers to patrol the streets and car parks. The enforcement officers do not have quotas or targets – their job is simply to ensure drivers obey the parking controls.
Drivers who fail to comply with the parking regulations, indicated by the appropriate signs and lines, will be issued with a parking ticket
The enforcement officers will enforce contraventions of all waiting and parking restrictions and under the new powers of the Traffic Management Act, tickets will also be issued to vehicles parking on zig-zags at pedestrian crossings. There are also new powers to enable a parking ticket to be served by post if the officer is prevented from issuing the ticket.
The penalty charge is between £70 and £50 depending on the seriousness of the contravention. For example, parking on a double yellow line will incur a £70 penalty whilst parking longer than permitted in a parking bay will incur a £50 penalty. These will be discounted by 50% if paid within 14 days.
Further non-payment could result in the penalty being increased.
The parking ticket then becomes a civil debt registered at the County Court.
Motorists who wish to contest a parking ticket can make representations to the Council who will assess each case following statutory guidance.
If the ticket is valid they will advise the motorist how to make an appeal to the independent adjudication body known as the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT). The appeals can be carried out either in person or by post.
The adjudicators are appointed by the Lord Chancellor and are impartial lawyers with at least 5 years experience.
The parking ticket and appeals process is laid down in Government guidance which the Council must follow.
What happens to the Income?
Income from the payment of parking tickets is be used to finance the operational costs of the enforcement system. Further information is available on the Councils website.
Or visit PATROL or the TPT adjudication service
Contact Details
Email: customerservices@wiltshire.gov.uk
Postal Address:
Customer Services
Wiltshire Council
County
Hall
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14
8JN
Last updated: 27 March 2009