Parking Enforcement

In June 2005 the Council took over the enforcement of parking in the Borough. Prior to this it had been carried out by the Hertfordshire Constabulary.

On 31 March 2008 new legislation by the Government which affects the way Councils across the country deal with parking enforcement, comes into operation.

The Traffic Management Act 2004, Part 6, enabled the Government to introduce changes in the legislation covering parking enforcement. The changes were driven by a desire to make parking enforcement more transparent, readily understood, and accepted by the public.

Many of the changes will seem minor in nature and may not even be noticed (for example Decriminalised Parking Enforcement becomes Civil Parking Enforcement, and Parking Attendants become Civil Enforcement Officers) but some other measures will be more apparent.

Probably the most important change is the introduction of variable charges for parking contraventions.

Prior to 31 March 2008 all contraventions had the same basic penalty charge of £60. This could be discounted by 50 per cent for payment within 14 days, or if the charge goes unpaid it can increase.

Under the new system, as before, the Council has had to decide on which band of charges is to be used, but the difference is that from 31 March 2008 onwards there will be differing levels of charges for different contraventions.

The principle which has been adopted by the Government is that less serious offences, like overstaying in a time limited parking bay by a few minutes, will receive a lower penalty than more serious contraventions, such as parking on a double yellow line where a loading and unloading ban is in force.

The result of these changes is that from 31 March 2008, the basic penalty charges will be either £50 or £70 dependant upon the seriousness of the contravention. As before, a 50 per cent discount will be available for payment within 14 days and the charge could increase if payment is not made.

What to do if you have received a penalty charge notice (PCN) for a parking contravention

First of all do not ignore it.

How to pay a PCN

The details for payment are set out on the back of the PCN. They are:

• By cheque via the pre-addressed envelope enclosed with the PCN;
• Over the telephone on the automated payment line (01707 357755), by debit or credit card;
• Make an online payment here

• In person at the cash office in the East Herts Council offices, Wallfields, Pegs Lane, Hertford.

How to appeal against the issue of a PCN

If you wish to appeal against the issue of a PCN, you must write to the Parking Manager, PO Box 43, Buntingford, SG9 9WZ. You need to write because the issue of a PCN is a serious matter which could, if ignored, result in the registration of a debt at the County Court. All communications should therefore be in writing so a formal record is kept.
 

The PCN Process

If a PCN, which has been placed on a car or given to the driver, is paid within 14 days, a 50% discount is available.  If formal representations are received, your case will be considered and it will either result in your PCN being cancelled or your representations being rejected. In this event you still have the right of appeal to the National Parking Adjudication Service.
If the correct payment is not received and no written representations received within 28 days, a Notice to Owner will be issued. If payment is not received within 28 days of this Notice, the charge increases by 50%, and a Charge Certificate will be issued.
Failure to pay the increased amount may result in registration of the debt at County Court and a warrant being issued to bailiffs.
It is therefore very important not to ignore the PCN – either pay it as soon as possible or write to the Parking Manager setting out the circumstances of your case.

How to avoid a PCN

Make sure that when you park, that you have checked the lines and signs and understand what they mean. If you do this, and park within the regulations, you will not receive a PCN.
To assist in this, a section on the National Parking Adjudications Service website explains all the different restrictions and how these are shown on the road by lines and signs.

Blue Badge Holders

Although Blue Badge holders receive detailed advice about how to use their badge when it is issued, it is clear that not all holders are aware of the requirements and are risking being penalised unnecessarily. To avoid getting a Penalty Charge Notice when using your Blue Badge for parking on yellow lines or in a disabled parking space in one of our car parks, please be aware of the following:

• You must display the badge on top of the dashboard or fascia panel of the vehicle with the front of the badge (ie. the side showing the wheelchair-user symbol) facing forward so that the expiry date is legible from the outside of the vehicle.
• The parking disc must also be displayed when parking on yellow lines or in a disabled parking space, and must be set to show the time of arrival
• If your vehicle does not have a dashboard or fascia panel you must exhibit the badge and disc in a conspicuous position so that the relevant details are legible from outside the vehicle.
• Badges only last for three years. Apply for a new one if you need it, several weeks before it expires.
  
• More information can be obtained from the Department for Transport

Building / Maintenance Works at Residential Property

If you live in an area where waiting restrictions are present and you are planning to have work carried out on your property, please note the following advice:

• Before the works are due to commence (a minimum of 1 week before) contact the Parking Office (01279 502039).
• Explain the circumstances, and give relevant details (address, nature of work, duration, name of contractors etc).

In most circumstances, it will be possible for trades vehicles associated with the work to be given an exemption for the duration of the work. However, without this exemption, Penalty Charge Notices may be issued.
Please note that this exemption applies to trades vehicles only.

Parking Enforcement Policy – this is currently being amended in the light of the Traffic Management Act 2004 Part 6.