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Parking fines - Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE)
The Parking Office - July 2008
ParkRight@kirklees.gov.uk
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Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) explained
When did Decriminalised Parking Enforcement start?
Decriminalised Parking Enforcement commenced on Monday 3rd July 2006.
From this date the Police ceased to have any powers to enforce yellow lines and other parking restrictions.
All enforcement is carried out by and on behalf of the Council.
If parking is now decriminalised, does this mean I can 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 DPE means that you are much more
likely to receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if you contravene the regulations both on-street and in car parks.
Where and when does enforcement take place?
DPE covers most roads and car parks within the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, the main exemptions being the
M62 Motorway and the M621 approach roads. Enforcement could be carried out on any day and at any time that a
waiting or parking restriction is in force. In practice enforcement will usually be carried out within normal
working hours (7.00am to 10.00pm) and days (Mon-Sun) with the frequency of patrols adjusted for different areas
of the borough to meet local demands. Enforcement outside of these hours will be carried out in response to
specific needs and demands subject to economic considerations.
How much does a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cost?
For all contraventions both on-street and in a car park the PCN is £60, this is reduced to £30 if the notice is
paid within 14 days of issue. If you don't make payment or respond to letters sent to you the charge will increase
to £90.
Do parking attendants have targets to meet and issue PCNs to everyone just to achieve them?
No, there will be no target for the number of PCNs that a parking attendant must issue. All parking attendants
have undergone comprehensive training to achieve nationally recognised standards of competence.
What are the benefits of local enforcement?
Local enforcement will keep Kirklees moving, reduce dangerous and inconvenient parking, support local businesses,
support town centre needs, assist loading and unloading, improve conditions in resident parking areas, improve
safety outside schools and assist blue badge holders.
Is this another «fund raising exercise»?
No. Income from enforcement comes only from drivers who have contravened parking regulations. Payments
received help fund the cost of providing the enforcement and parking service.
Do these changes mean local businesses and shops suffer?
No. Areas of short-term parking such as outside local shops will receive better enforcement. As drivers will
no longer be able to park for longer than permitted it will be easier to find a space when you need it. It should
also be easier for businesses to load and unload.
Will vehicles be clamped or towed away?
At the present time it is not intended to introduce clamping or removals, but this is an option which could be
considered in the future.
Are the Police responsible for any parking enforcement?
The Police are not be responsible for enforcing any permanent waiting, loading or parking restrictions. They
still enforce some temporary waiting restrictions such as areas marked with «police no waiting» cones, at special
events, ie football matches etc.
The Police continue to issue parking tickets for parking on pedestrian crossing zig-zags as this offence also
carries penalty points.
The Police also continue to deal with obstruction and all moving traffic offences and can take action against
any vehicle where security or other traffic policing issues are involved.
How are the new parking attendants different from the old traffic wardens?
Although parking attendants look similar to traffic wardens, they are employed by Council and not the Police.
Parking attendants issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) not parking tickets.
How does Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) affect the motorist?
How do I avoid getting a PCN?
Motorists who don't contravene parking regulations are unaffected by DPE. Look out for the lines, signs and
notices when you park. These tell you about any restrictions or charges in force. The Highway Code helps explain
what the signs and lines mean.
Can I park on a single yellow line to pick up a newspaper or buy a sandwich?
No, unless outside of the times of the regulations in force, these are shown on signs indicating the times of
operation near to the kerbside. Parking for even short periods within these times is not permitted and you could
be issued with a PCN.
Can I park on a yellow line if there are no signs or plates indicating times?
No, not all restrictions need a time plate. For example all double yellow lines mean «No waiting at any time»
with or without a time plate. Don't take a chance, if in doubt park somewhere else.
I am a blue badge holder, how do the changes affect me?
The blue badge scheme continues to operate as before. If you park in accordance with the Blue Badge scheme you
will not receive a PCN.
I am a medical professional and sometimes have to park on yellow lines to make urgent calls, will I receive a PCN?
We will continue to operate the BMA badge and other schemes previously honoured by the Police. Provided you
comply with the scheme rules you should not get a PCN.
What happens to Residents' Permit Parking schemes?
The schemes continue to operate as they are but residents should benefit from improved enforcement.
Can I get a permit to park on the yellow lines outside my house or business?
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.
Can I get a permit to park on yellow lines whilst carrying out building works etc?
In certain circumstances a waiver can be issued for a specified day/s or time/s to allow for certain activities
such as building works or removals etc.
Will I receive a PCN for parking on the pavement or verge?
You can receive a PCN if you park partly or wholly on a pavement or verge that is adjacent to yellow lines. If
you park a HGV on a pavement or verge you may receive a PCN even if no yellow lines exist. Parking on footways
obstructs the way for pedestrians and causes damage to the surface and equipment underneath.
Can a PCN be issued to a vehicle parked across or obstructing a driveway?
No, unless yellow lines or other parking restrictions are also in force. The Police retain responsibility for
dealing with these matters of obstruction.
If I receive a PCN will I get penalty points on my driving licence?
No. Penalty points are received for certain driving offences dealt with by the Police under criminal law.
What to do if you get a PCN
What should I do if I get a PCN?
Details of how to pay and what to do next will be shown on the penalty charge notice (PCN). If you ignore the
notice you will lose the option to pay at the reduced rate and we will send you a Notice to Owner and explain what
you must do next.
How and where can I pay a PCN?
Pay your PCN online
You can pay your PCN online or over the phone 24 hours a day by ringing 01484 414818.
You can pay through the post by
sending a cheque or postal order to the address shown on the back of the PCN. Do not send cash. You can also
pay in person at any of the council's payment/cash offices. Always include details of the PCN number and your
address with any payment.
Who is responsible for paying the charge?
Legally the owner/keeper of the vehicle is responsible and it is the owner/keeper who will be pursued in any
further action.
What happens if I appeal the PCN?
You should not ignore the notice, it you do the charge may increase. Instructions on what to do will be shown on
the PCN. You should write to the address on the PCN explaining your reasons for appeal. Further information and
appeal forms are also available at all council cash/payments offices. If you appeal within 14 days you will have
a further opportunity to pay at the reduced rate.
If you do not agree with the council's decision you may appeal to the National Parking Adjudication Service
(NPAS). NPAS is a totally independent appeal service and is free to motorists. All NPAS appeals are dealt with
by experienced lawyers. Details of how to contact NPAS will be provided on your decision letter.
What happens if I lose my appeal to the council and NPAS but refuse to pay?
If you lose your appeal to NPAS you must pay the PCN, if you refuse, the amount of the PCN will increase to £90
and the debt will be registered by the council at the County Court. The council may ask the court for
authorisation to recover the debt through the use of certificated bailiffs.
Enquiries and complaints
How do I get parking or waiting restrictions removed or amended?
Most restrictions have been put in for obvious and continuing traffic management, road-safety or access reasons,
however occasionally these reasons are no longer valid. The council's Highway Safety Section will consider
requests for the review of such restrictions, enquiries should be directed to ROSS.
How do I make a complaint, report a parking problem or request additional enforcement in my area?
Contact ROSS.
How do I report damaged or missing waiting or parking restriction signs, posts or road markings?
Contact ROSS.
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