We use Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to introduce parking restrictions to ensure that people park safely and conveniently.
Parking restrictions are indicated by pay and display ticket machines, signs and road markings and include on and off street parking.
We employ Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) to enforce parking restrictions. Enforcement may take place at any time within the hours in which a restriction applies. For restrictions which apply at ‘any time’, e.g. double yellow lines, it should be noted that Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) can be issued at any time of the day or night and that 24 hour enforcement is carried out by the council.
We may issue a PCN to a vehicle, or to the person appearing to be in charge of the vehicle, that is believed to be in contravention of a restriction.
Please note that the registered keeper or owner of the vehicle, not the driver, is responsible for the payment of the PCN.
Penalty Charges
There are two levels of penalty for parking incorrectly. PCNs have to state the contravention code with a short description. Further information about the two levels of penalty, how much a PCN costs and details about the contravention codes can be found on the PATROL website.
If you receive a PCN
You can:
Do not ignore a PCN. They carry extra penalties if not paid (or challenged) promptly.
If the PCN is not paid or challenged, then after 14 days, the opportunity to pay at the reduced amount is no longer available and the full amount becomes payable. Please note that the PCN does not increase, it is always set at the full rate, but the Traffic Management Act allows a reduction to be made for early payment.
After the 28 day period following the service of a PCN, the council may contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to obtain the name and address of the registered keeper of the vehicle. A legal document known as ‘Notice to Owner’ is then issued to that person.
Useful Links
Further information about PCNs can be found on GOV.UK and PATROL. The PATROL website includes a useful diagram which describes the enforcement process for dealing with a PCN, although please note we do not issue PCNs by post.