New scheme to tackle illegal parking in South Cambridgeshire goes live next week

From next Thursday (1 February), civil parking enforcement officers will be out on the streets of South Cambridgeshire issuing fines to drivers parking where they shouldn’t – like on single or double yellow lines.

Just before Christmas, Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) received final confirmation from the Government that Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) was given the green light in the district.

As a result, parking has been decriminalised so CCC Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) can issue a Penalty Charge Notice (parking ticket) for on-street parking offences such as parking on double yellow or single yellow lines. Before the introduction of CPE in South Cambridgeshire, only the police could do this.

Between the end of last year and the end of January this year, information is being placed on vehicles parked where there are restrictions – but not a fine – to give drivers a final chance to find a suitable parking spot. Fines will then begin to be issued from next Thursday (1 February).

It is therefore now even more important motorists always check lines and signs or other notices in the area when parking. You can check The Highway Code if you are not sure what a sign or line means.

Under CPE powers, CEOs cannot enforce all restrictions. Restrictions such as dangerous parking and obstruction of the footway will continue to be enforced by the police and need to be reported to them.

CPE patrols are focussing on areas where parking demand is the greatest such as around railway stations. They are being shaped in-line with resources and may include evening and weekends.

Councillor Alex Beckett, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Highways and Transport Committee said: “From next week, we’ll be out on the streets in South Cambs issuing fines, so we’re asking people to take an extra second to think about where they park. Always check The Highway Code if you’re not sure what a sign or line means – don’t get caught out.”

South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Bill Handley, said: “There is just one week to go until drivers are more likely to be fined for parking where there are restrictions. We have worked with partners to introduce the Civil Parking Enforcement scheme in response to the frustrations parishes have had due to lack of enforcement. This has been most acute around railway stations and busy high streets. We’ve ensured that drivers have had plenty of warning about the introduction of CPE – and now the scheme is live in just a matter of days, it is even more important to fully consider the lines and sign around where you may be parking. We’re hopeful all the advance publicity has helped with this transition.”