Ipswich Borough Council took over the enforcement of parking restrictions in Ipswich from the Police on 1st October 2005.
While the transfer of enforcement responsibilities will not alter any of the parking restrictions, the Council will ensure these are obeyed.
To help avoid receiving a Penalty Charge Notice read on!
If you are a driver who parks correctly, these changes will not affect you.
If, however, you park your vehicle in places where you shouldn’t, then don’t be surprised if you find yourself on the receiving end of a parking ticket - called a Penalty Charge Notice.
Ipswich Borough 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.
Why the change in enforcement?
The Council wants to keep traffic moving to help motorists and users of public transport and wants to keep pavements clear to help pedestrians. Better enforcement will mean the following:
- It will be safer for drivers and pedestrians since the new focus on enforcement means clearer roads and pavements;
- With fewer illegally parked cars there will be fewer accidents, better traffic flow and accessibility;
- 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 improve because of a reduction in congestion and an increase in energy conservation; n use of other modes of transport, will be encouraged such as walking and cycling;
- Sensible and safe parking within Ipswich will be encouraged - as will greater compliance with Traffic Regulations;
- Parking provision will become more responsive to the public’s needs because the Council, as an agent for Suffolk County Council, will control both provision and management of parking;
- Income from parking tickets will come to the Council so any surpluses after reasonable running costs can be spent on transport projects in the local area;
- Police resources will be able to concentrate on other priorities.
The County Council is working in partnership with the Borough Council to ensure that the most efficient and cost effective service is delivered to the public. How will the Council enforce the restrictions?
From 1st October, under the powers of the Road Traffic Act 1991, Parking Attendants working for Ipswich Borough Council will undertake enforcement. They will enforce all yellow lines and other waiting restrictions in the town. 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 Charge
The penalty for parking contraventions in the town will be £60. If the penalty is paid promptly (as advised on the PCN), then it is discounted to £30. Parking Attendants cannot accept payment. Details of how and where to pay a Penalty Charge will be given on the back of the PCN.
Representations and Appeals
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.
The Council will assess each case and if it is found the PCN was issued wrongly, it will be cancelled and no payment will be required. Alternatively, if the Council feels the PCN was issued correctly then a letter will be sent explaining the reasons for the decision. The Council will also explain at this stage how an appeal may be made to an independent adjudicator at the National Parking Adjudication Service (NPAS). The adjudicators will consider each case, either by post or at a personal hearing, and their decision is final. There is no cost for the appeal process and if unsuccessful the PCN may still be paid at the standard rate.
Late Payment
If payment is not received (by the date shown on the PCN) and the driver has not made a successful representation, then the penalty will be increased by 50% to £90. If this is not paid then the debt will be registered with the County Court.
Think before you park
Pavements and verges are part of the public highway and are covered by any yellow lines in the carriageway alongside them. Parking on a pavement or verge in order to avoid parking on yellow lines is therefore still a contravention and a PCN will still be issued. Pavement parking may still be prohibited even if there are no yellow lines.
If you are in any doubt about the parking restrictions in operation on any street, check the signs and road markings before you park and make sure that you are allowed to park. If the signs and road markings are clear the Council will be unlikely to cancel any PCN that has been issued because you have failed to check the parking restrictions.
I’ve got a Penalty Charge Notice and I think it has been wrongly issued, what can I do?First of all, don’t ignore it as it won’t go away. Write to Ipswich Parking Service - the address is on the Penalty Charge Notice and the Parking Team will investigate the case using clear guidelines. The team will write back with the decision. If it hasn’t been cancelled and you are still not satisfied, the letter will tell you how to appeal to the National Parking Appeals Service. This is an independent adjudication service whose decision is binding on both parties.
How do I know if I’ve parked legally?
If you are in doubt where, or for how long you can park, check the markings on the road or car park and any nearby signs. More information can also be found in the Highway Code.
Anything else I should know?
Yes. The Parking Team is there to help. The vast majority of motorists are considerate. Please remember the rules. For instance, if you are using a pay and display car park, attach your ticket to the windscreen where it can be seen clearly by a Parking Attendant. It is a myth that the Council fines people if their ticket is upside down - but the ticket does need to be seen!
You can find out more about the new parking enforcement arrangements at:
www.ipswich.gov.uk/services/carparks
www.highwaycode.gov.uk
www.parking-appeals.gov.uk
The new arrangements come into force on 1st October 2005.
Knowing and obeying the rules and regulations means you won’t get a ticket!
- Always check for road markings and signs
- Obey traffic signs and marked restrictions
- Know what signs and markings show the following:
- No Stopping
No Loading
No Waiting
Restricted Parking
Limited Waiting
Permitted Parking