www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Civil Parking Enforcement - frequently asked questions
What is civil parking enforcement (CPE)?
Under the previous system, a parking offence was a breach of criminal law enforceable through the criminal justice system. The Road Traffic Act 1991 as amended by the Traffic Management Act 2004 (TMA) allows a Highway Authority to apply to the Secretary of State to establish Special and Civil Enforcement Areas which once approved, transfers the responsibility for parking enforcement from the Police to the Highway Authority. The powers are therefore transferred to the County Council and the District Council’s manage the enforcement on behalf of the County Council. The enforcement of the parking tickets known as Penalty Charge Notice’s (PCN’s) under the new system of CPE become a civil debt as opposed to a criminal offence.
When and where will the new system come into force?
The District of West Wiltshire will commence enforcement on 16th June 2008. All other districts which operated under the previous system of decriminalised parking enforcement automatically transferred to civil enforcement under the provisions of the Traffic Management Act on from 31st March 2008
What does it mean for the motorist?
If you park correctly and comply with local traffic regulations, the change in enforcement does not affect you. However, due to the increased level of enforcement, if you break regulations you are more likely to receive a parking ticket.
Do enforcement officers have targets to meet?
No, there are be no targets for the number of tickets issued and all enforcement officers undergo comprehensive training to a nationally recognised standard of competence.
Why are there different penalty charge levels?
Under provisions of the Traffic Management Act 2004, the Department for Transport has revised the penalty charge levels applicable for parking contraventions to ensure that the fine appropriate for the seriousness of the contravention. For example parking where it is prohibited (i.e. double yellow lines) will incur a £70 penalty whilst parking outside of a parking bay on street will incur a £50 penalty.
How do I avoid getting a parking ticket?
Pay attention to the road signs and lines which indicate the restrictions in the area. Not all restrictions need a time plate or sign, for example due to changes in legislation, double yellow lines which mean ‘No parking at any time’, do not need a time plate.
Double yellow lines apply from boundary to boundary – this means that you must not park on an area of public highway behind the yellow lines (for example a footway or grass verge).
Can I see a copy of the legal order for the parking restriction?
Yes, all traffic regulations orders made by the County Council relating to waiting and parking restrictions on street are available through the Council’s Traffic Order Team and the map based orders for North Wiltshire, West Wilshire and Kennet District are available on the County Council’s web site www.wiltshire.gov.uk/parking-and-waiting-restrictions
The orders relating to the district council off street car parks (public car parks) are made by the District Council and are be available at the offices of the relevant District Council.
What happens if I drive away when an enforcement officer is about to issue a ticket?
If the ticket has been processed and the officer is physically prevented from fixing the ticket to the windscreen, new legislation now allows the District Council to issue the penalty charge notice through the post
What should I do if I get a parking ticket?
Contact the relevant District Council – details of how to pay and what to do next will be shown on the back of the ticket. Do not ignore it – failure to pay will result in an increase in the penalty.
Can I appeal a parking ticket?
Yes, in the first instance you may appeal to the District Council responsible for issuing the ticket. If the Council rejects your appeal, you may appeal to an independent tribunal known as The Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT). The procedure will be explained to you by the District Council at each stage of the documentation process. For more details you can visit the TPT website www.trafficpenaltytribunal.gov.uk
Will vehicles be clamped or towed away?
At the present time it is not intended to introduce clamping or removals but this is an option which could be considered in the future.
What will the Police be responsible for?
The Police will remain responsible for moving traffic offences, matters of obstruction and other offences that still carry an endorsement penalty.
Where does the money go?
Income from the payment of parking tickets is used to fund the costs of enforcement.
How do I ask for parking restrictions to be changed?
If you consider that the controls and restrictions are not appropriate for the current conditions or you would like additional restrictions to be considered, you can write to the address below. All requests will be considered at the appropriate time.
How do I find out about the parking enforcement policies?
Contact the relevant District Council to find out more about their parking enforcement policies
Contact Details
By Post
Traffic and Road Safety
Environmental
Services Department
County Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
BA14
8JN
By Email
By Telephone
01225 713000
By Fax
01225 751600
