What are Civil Enforcement parking powers?
Tamworth Borough Council in partnership with Staffs County
Council have the powers to enforce matters and issue Penalty Charge
Notices relating to parking in areas where legal Traffic Regulation
Orders are in place which include double yellow lines, no waiting
areas, designated parking areas, loading bays etc. This came into
force on March 23 2009.
Who can issue PCNs?
The issuing of Penalty Charge Notices for
civil parking offences can only be done by officers trained under
the Traffic Management Act 2004. It is not an easy task and
all officers must remain impartial at all times. They are not
allowed to touch a Penalty Charge Notice once issued or enter into
a discussion with a member of the public on any aspect of the issue
of the penalty. Any appeals with regard to the issue of a
Penalty Charge Notice must be made in writing and remains a civil
matter.
Are the Police responsible for any
parking matters?
The police no longer have powers to issue
tickets for these particular parking offences which are now
decriminalised and have become civil offences under the Traffic
Management Act 2004.
The Police can, however, still address
offences of wilful and unnecessary obstruction on the road or
pavement, the blocking of pedestrian/disabled crossing points,
dangerous parking on chevrons at pedestrian crossings etc, parking
on school zigzags (where there is no accompanying single or double
yellow line) and issues of double parking or parking too close to a
junction. These offences are subject to immediate fine and do not
come under the remit of Civil Enforcement Officers.
If witnessed by PCSO and PCs, tickets may
still be issued for wilful obstruction of driveways if a
householder cannot leave or access their driveway.
When are CEOs on duty?
Civil Enforcement Officers patrol at staggered
shift times during most days between 7am and 10pm. They are
not a reactive service, but are working to beat patterns agreed
across all areas where there has been little enforcement activity
over the years and are proactively working to identify areas of
concern for residents to improve and enhance these. They are
entirely separate to Street Wardens, PCs and PCSOs and can only
issue PCNs for civil parking matters.
Can CEOs issue tickets for parking on
dropped kerbs?
A PCN can be issued to car owners for parking
offences in front of a dropped kerb obstructing a pedestrian
crossing or disabled access point or tactile paving. (This is
generally areas where there is a dimpled guidance kerb for sight
impaired residents and visitors)
The offence of wilful obstructive or dangerous
parking remains under the power of the Police who can issue tickets
should it be witnessed.
Procedures and processes for civil parking
enforcement in front of residential dropped kerbs are still being
investigated.
How can I report parking
issues?
Residents can register their interest for a
presence to patrol parking ‘hotspots’ where signs and lines
exist via PACT meetings or via email parking@tamworth.gov.uk or on
01827 709709.
The approach to deployment will be measured
dependent on shift patterns, deployment and staffing resources in
agreement with our contractor.
Where a matter is an immediate and an imminent
danger to pedestrians or other road users the Police can still be
called to deal with the issue via the non emergency 0300 123 4455
number.
What can be done about school parking
congestion?
Traffic issues relating to all schools are an
issue to be addressed with a measured and planned response from
September 2009 onwards and will begin with discussions with head
teachers to discuss approaches to patrols and targeted deployment
in conjunction with Police and other partners to agree planned
course of action.
The safety initiative Ziggy and Zaggy will
continue to be rolled out during 2010/11.
Civil enforcement officers have included all
Tamworth schools in their beat patterns and visit on a measured
basis as part of their beat patterns.
How do I find out more about Civil
Parking Enforcement in Tamworth?
Information about Staffs County Council CLEAR
STREETS policy and other issues such as requests for Residents
Parking Schemes can be found at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/parking