Decriminalised Parking
On 10 January 2000, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council became
responsible for the enforcement of parking regulations on the
streets, as well as in the car parks throughout the borough.
Decriminalised Parking simply means
that responsibility for enforcing on-street parking passes from the
Police to the Local Authority. The most fundamental changes as far
as the motorist is concerned are that Penalty Charge Notices are
issued by Parking Attendants instead of Traffic Wardens and that
parking contraventions are civil rather than criminal offences.
The aim of Decriminalised Parking is
to :
- Keep traffic moving. Roads will be kept clear
of cars parked in contravention of the parking regulations. Bus
lanes, taxi ranks, disabled bays, and junctions will also be kept
clear, thereby improving safety and easing congestion.
- Support local Businesses. Areas of short-term
parking such as outside local shops will receive more attention. As
drivers will no longer be able to park for more than the time
stated, it will be easier to find a space when you need it. This
will also benefit local traders.
- Support Town Centre needs. Commuters and other
drivers requiring long stay parking will be encouraged to use
appropriate long stay car parks, freeing town centre short stay
spaces and residents' zones for drivers who need them.
- Increase parking for residents. Residents
currently paying for permits to park near their home will continue
to benefit from local authority enforcement. The Parking Attendants
will also be able to take action about cars that are parked on
adjacent yellow lines. It is possible that more permit zones may be
introduced in response to community needs to deter commuter
parking.
- Increase Blue Badge benefits. Increased
enforcement of parking spaces for disabled drivers will improve
availability for Blue Badge holders.
- Kent Decriminalised Parking
Enforcement & Cancellation Policy Guidance
General Information
-
There will not be a target for the number of tickets that a
Parking Attendant must issue. They are salaried staff and have
undergone comprehensive training to achieve nationally recognised
standards of competence.
-
Local authorities are not profit making organisations. They are
there to provide a service to the local community. Some authorities
will generate a surplus both from drivers who park in contravention
to the regulations and those who pay to park. Any surplus will be
used by the authority to improve traffic conditions and must be
spent in accordance with legislation.