Parking Regulations

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.