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Decriminalised Parking Enforcement

 

What is DPE?

Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) transfers responsibility for parking and yellow line enforcement from the police to Warrington Borough Council.

Before DPE, the Council only enforced parking regulations in council-owned car parks. The police and traffic wardens issued parking tickets for parking on double yellow lines or obstructing traffic. All money from fines went to the Government. If a fine was not paid the Magistrates Court would be involved. Drivers could get endorsements on their licence.

Which law is involved? The Road Traffic Act 1991 (as amended) allows local authorities to take over parking and yellow line enforcement. London boroughs tested the system first. Guidelines were published in 1995 advising local authorities on managing the system and encouraging them to follow London's example. The Traffic Management Act 2004 extended these powers to include some moving traffic offences.

The 'decriminalised' parking system From 2007, responsibility for enforcing waiting, loading and static parking regulations in Warrington has been transferred from the police to the council. Under the system such offences will no longer be criminal offences but will become civil offences – hence the term "Decriminalised". They are still serious offences. Responsibility will remain with the police for endorseable parking offences and obstruction.

When?
DPE started in February 2007 when council parking attendants took over parking enforcement from the police. 

Where?
This legislation has been introduced throughout the whole of the borough but will concentrate on those areas where road safety, congestion and residential parking are recognised problems. 

Why?
Financial pressures imposed on the police and the targeting of resources to serious crime has resulted in reduced numbers of traffic wardens. As a consequence, enforcement of parking restrictions has been largely ineffective.

DPE has been government policy for several years and addresses this declining police involvement. The council will concentrate enforcement to meet local needs such as protecting bus and cycle routes and residential areas, allowing the police to deal with more serious crime and anti-social behaviour. 

How?
Council parking attendants will issue 'parking tickets' (PCN's - Penalty Charge Notices), and collect the charges. This revenue will be used to operate the scheme. Enforcement will be flexible and responsive to local traffic and safety needs and aims to positively contribute to local crime and disorder initiatives.