Ipswich Borough Council has taken over the enforcement of parking restrictions in the town from the Police.
The Council is employing a team of Parking Attendants to patrol the streets and car parks to help motorists and to make sure cars are parked correctly. The Council wants to keep traffic moving to help motorists and users of public transport and keep pavements clear to help pedestrians.
Better enforcement is safer since the new focus on enforcement means clearer roads and pavements. Emergency and service vehicles will be able to operate more effectively in narrow roads and low-floor buses will be able to reach the kerb at bus stops since fewer inconsiderately parked vehicles will be in their way. The general environment will also improve because of a reduction in congestion and an increase in energy conservation and Income from parking fines will come to the Council so any surpluses can be spent on local transport projects. Meanwhile, Police resources will be able to concentrate on other priorities.
Suffolk County Council is working with the Borough Council to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective service is delivered to the public.
Drivers who fail to comply with the parking restrictions (indicated by signs and road markings on the street and in Council car parks) will be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). The Police will continue to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to motorists parking at pedestrian crossings and for other motoring offences. The penalty for parking contraventions in the town will be £60. If the penalty is paid promptly it is discounted to £30. Parking Attendants cannot accept payment. Details of how and where to pay are given on the back of the PCN. Once a PCN has been issued it cannot be cancelled by the Parking Attendant. Drivers who feel that a PCN has been issued wrongly have the right to make representations to the Council.