Parking enforcement arrangements
The following information applies from Monday, 31 March 2008.
Civil Parking Enforcement explained
How does CPE affect the motorist?
What to do if you get a Penalty Charge Notice?
Enquiries and complaints
Q: What does Civil Enforcement (CPE) mean?
Civil Parking enforcement (CPE) is the process where the Council has applied to Government for the power to enforce parking restrictions. Parking enforcement is therefore decriminalised.
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Q: If parking is decriminalised can I park where I like?
No. Although parking offences have been decriminalised other powers have been given to local authorities to allow them to enforce parking restrictions. The increased level of enforcement under CPE means you could be more likely to receive a penalty charge notice if you contravene the regulations.
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Q: How is civil enforcement done?
Teams of Civil enforcement Officers (CEO's) patrol all areas of the City where parking restrictions exist. This will include double and single yellow lines, loading and unloading areas, disabled bays, limited waiting areas, City Council controlled on and off street parking areas, etc.
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How much will a penalty charge notice (PCN) cost?
A penalty charge of £70 on the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for higher level contraventions and £50 on the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for lower level contraventions but discounted by 50% if payment is received within 14 days or within 21 days for PCNs issued by post.
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Q: Do Civil Enforcement Officers have targets to meet?
No, there will be no target for the number of PCNs that a Civil Enforcement Officer must issue.
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Q: What are the benefits of local enforcement?
Local enforcement will keep Wolverhampton moving, discourage dangerous and inconsiderate parking, support local businesses, assist loading and unloading and assist Blue Badge holders.
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Q: Will the police be responsible for any parking enforcement?
The Police will not be responsible for enforcing any permanent waiting, loading or parking restrictions. They will still enforce matters of obstruction and some temporary waiting restrictions, such as areas marked with “Police No waiting” cones at special events.
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Q: How do I avoid getting a PCN?
Motorists who don't contravene parking regulations will be unaffected by CPE. Look out for the lines, signs and notices when you park. These will tell you about any restrictions or charges in force. The Highway Code will help explain what the signs and lines mean.
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Q: Can I get a permit to park on the yellow lines outside my house?
No. There is no permit scheme that allows parking on yellow lines; however you may park for sufficient time as is necessary to load or unload goods.
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Q: If I receive a PCN will I get penalty points on my licence?
No. Penalty points are only received for driving offences dealt with by the Police under criminal law.
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Q: How and where can I pay a PCN?
You can pay:
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Q: What can I do if I don’t agree that a PCN should have been issued?
You can, within 28 days, “challenge” the issue of the PCN by writing to the Council Parking Services team who will look into your case and you will be advised of the outcome in writing.
You then have a right of 'formal representation' if the PCN remains unpaid a 'Notice to Owner' will be served, instructions for making a representation are on the back of this document.
If you do not agree with the Councils decision you may appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal which is a totally independent appeal service and is free to motorists. All appeals are dealt with by experienced independent lawyers. Details of how to contact the Traffic Penalty Tribunal will be provided on your decision letter.
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Q: What happens if I lose my appeal to the council but refuse to pay?
If you lose your appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal you must pay the PCN, if you refuse, the amount of the PCN will increase by 50% and the debt will be registered by the Council at the County Court. The Council may then ask the Court for authorisation to recover the debt through the use of certificated bailiffs.
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Q: What is the Traffic Penalty Tribunal?
It is a national independent body set up by the Government specifically to hear appeals against PCN’s.
Based in Manchester, all parking adjudicators are qualified legal professionals who will look at all the facts of the case and reach a decision as to whether the PCN should be paid or not.
Each side can put their case, hearings are arranged by the Traffic Penalty Tribunal at a local hearing centre of the motorists’ choice or the decision can be made by post. The decision reached by the adjudicator is final and binding on both parties.
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Q: What happens if I still don’t pay?
The Council can register the debt in court and instruct certified bailiffs to collect the unpaid Penalty Charge or seize goods to cover the value plus any additional amount added by the Bailiff Company. This could increase the costs by a significant amount.
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Enquiries and complaints
Q: How do I make a complaint or report a parking problem in my area?
Enquiries should be directed to City Direct on 01902 551155 and will be dealt with by the Councils Parking Services.
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