New parking penalties on the horizon

Drivers who park irresponsibly may face higher penalty charges under new government legislation to be introduced next month.

The Traffic Management Act replaces the existing parking laws on 1 April 2008, with the aim of making the rules more transparent and consistent across the UK.

Motorists who commit parking offences will now be issued with a higher level or lower level ticket, depending on the type of offence they have committed.

A higher level charge will be issued for offences such as parking on double or single yellow lines during a prohibited period or failing to buy a parking ticket where one is required.

An example of a lower level penalty is when drivers park beyond a permitted waiting time or fail to return to their vehicle before a valid ticket has expired.

The new legislation also means that parking enforcement officers have additional powers to issue tickets to motorists who commit offences such as parking on pedestrian zig-zag lines and driving away while a parking ticket is being issued. 

In addition, a number of legal descriptions are set to change, including parking attendants now being called Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO).

Cllr Brian Axcell, Executive Board member for environment services said: “The new parking laws are designed to make people more aware of parking restrictions, while also aiming to penalise the worst offenders.

“My advice to drivers in Warrington is simple - abide by the parking regulations and you will not be affected by any of these changes.”

For further information, please visit the government’s traffic management website at www.patrol.gov.uk.

Issued by:  Barry Gregory, Press Officer
Date:   13 March 2008
Release: Immediate