Scheme will see drivers hit with fines for parking illegally in South Cambridgeshire

Fines will be issued for on-street parking offences in South Cambridgeshire from next Thursday (1 February).

Cambridgeshire County Council received final confirmation from the government that civil parking enforcement in the district can go ahead.

As a result, parking has been decriminalised so civil enforcement officers can issue a penalty charge notice for offences such as parking on double yellow or single yellow lines. Previously only the police could do this.

Fines of between £50 and £70 - depending on the severity of the offence - will be issued by officers. However, they cannot enforce all restrictions. Restrictions such as dangerous parking and obstruction of the footway will still need to be enforced by the police.

Patrols will focus 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.

Cllr Alex Beckett, chair of the council’s highways and transport committee said: “From next week, we’ll be out on the streets in South Cambridgeshire 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.”

Cllr Bill Handley, lead cabinet member for communities, added: “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.”

Visit cambridgeshire.gov.uk/CPE.