Enforcement to begin for new parking policy

A new scheme to tackle irresponsible and dangerous parking has launched.

The Vehicle Removals Policy was approved by Cabinet last year, and it gives the council powers to remove a vehicle from the highway if there are more than three unpaid parking tickets related to the vehicle.

The introduction of a removal service will better enable the network management team to: 

• prioritise parking for residents within the enforcement hours of operation
• reduce issues such as obstructive and inconsiderate parking, especially at junctions, bends and on footways
• control the number of cars parking on the highway  
• contribute to better neighbourhoods by reducing congestion on the highway and clearing the road network.

The policy also covers where vehicles are obstructing planned maintenance works and/or preventing access to emergency service and waste collection vehicles.

Councillor Paul Kelly, lead member for planning, parking, highways and transport, said: “This new policy aims to address the anti-social behaviour problems linked to inconsiderate parking. The council will be working in partnership with its parking contractor, Saba Parking, to enforce the policy to target those who persistently cause obstructions and repeatedly don’t pay their parking fines.

“Many drivers continue to obstruct the flow of traffic and occupy parking places reserved for residents, disabled blue badge holders and other permit holders.

“We hope drivers can follow the rules and park where they are permitted to. If they don’t and they continue to ignore Penalty Charge Notices (PCN), there is a real risk that their vehicle will be removed from the highway, and they’ll have to pay additional fees for removal and storage. The ultimate risk is that the vehicle will be disposed of.”

Some of the parking contraventions include:
• parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours
• parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force
• parked in a suspended bay or space or part of a space
• parked in a special enforcement area more than 50cm from the edge of the carriageway and not within a designated parking place
• stopped on a restricted bus stop or stand
• stopped in a restricted area outside a school when prohibited.
• stopped on a pedestrian crossing or crossing area marked by zigzags.

Persistent evader vehicles parked in contravention on a road are liable for immediate removal following the issue of a PCN.

The policy also covers abandoned vehicles and non-motorised vehicles such as trailers, caravans and damaged vehicles.

If a vehicle is removed, Thames Valley Police will be informed, in case of any calls reporting a missing vehicle.

To reclaim the vehicle, the owner will have to attend the approved secure storage facility to release the vehicle, and statutory charges will apply.