A new team will be patrolling the district to help keep roads safe and free from congestion from Monday 12 April 2010.
Under Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) Legislation, uniformed Civil Enforcement Officers will keep traffic moving across the district. CPE has been introduced through West Sussex over the last few years, and means that instead of the Police, the local authority is responsible for enforcing on-street parking controls.
On behalf of West Sussex County Council, Chichester District Council Officers will enforce on-street parking restrictions, including loading and limited waiting restrictions. Their role will also involve patrolling the District Council’s off-street car parks. They will have the power to issue Penalty Charge Notices of either £50 or £70, depending on the contravention. The lower band (£50) will be for less serious contraventions, such as overstaying paid-for time in a car park, and the higher band (£70) for more serious contraventions such as parking on double yellow lines. Both penalties are discounted by 50% if paid for within 14 days.
Historically, income generated through Fixed Penalty Notices, issued by the Police, went to central government. Under CPE, income generated from on-street penalties must be used to cover the cost of enforcement. Any surplus money goes towards local transport, parking, and other environmental-related improvements.
“The changes will mean much clearer and safer streets, and reduced congestion,” says Mike Lewin, Parking Services Manager at Chichester District Council.
“There are many benefits to the new system. With former Police Traffic Wardens joining our car parking staff, we can make sure that the district is effectively patrolled. We often see people parking on double yellow lines or blocking streets. This can lead to accidents, especially where there are schools, or large developments. It can also cause congestion, delaying not only traffic, but also blocking access for emergency vehicles. The new system gives us a chance to help improve road safety and reduce these problems.”
Previously, on-street parking enforcement by Traffic Wardens was limited to just the city of Chichester. CPE now covers every road where there is a waiting or parking restriction in the Chichester District. Enforcement will be carried out every day, wherever a restriction is in force. This will mean enforcement is more efficient, and it will make roads much safer, especially in locations where there are businesses, schools and large developments.
What can you expect?
The service will cover the whole district.
The team will be responsible for:
- council owned car parks; and
- on-street parking across the district.
Our Officers will patrol across the entire district making sure that people are parking correctly by enforcing existing parking restrictions. This will prevent drivers blocking streets and causing congestion.
The new service will offer improved access for the emergency services.
For further information, please contact the Car Parks Office at Chichester District Council on 01243 534638, email carparks@chichester.gov.uk or go to www.chichester.gov.uk/parking
