First big test ahead for Deeside`s new parking regulations.

On Tuesday 1st October Flintshire County Council will take over responsibility for the enforcement of parking regulations in their area from the North Wales Police.

Council Notice

The Council is already responsible for managing Council car parks.

From the 1st October, the Council’s Civil Enforcement Officers will also be responsible for the enforcement of on street parking and the issuing of Penalty Charge Notices.

The police will continue to be responsible for enforcement of dangerous driving and all moving traffic offences and will continue to issue fixed penalty notices for vehicles creating an obstruction.

According to the FCC website:

“These changes will mean that people in Flintshire will benefit from the effective and reasonable enforcement of parking regulations”

The changes will:

• Improve the flow of traffic and road safety in our towns and villages by penalising drivers who cause a danger to pedestrians and other road users. 
• Disabled bays will be more rigorously enforced to minimise misuse. 
• Mean that Civil Enforcement Officers can tackle parking problems around schools. 
• Where inconsiderate parking causes a danger to pedestrians and other road users.
• Reduce the possibility of emergency vehicles finding their route blocked by parked vehicles.
• Improve access for delivery vehicles by ensuring the correct and safe use of loading bays. 
• Increase the availability of limited stay parking spaces.
• Drivers who abuse the time restrictions will be issued a penalty charge notice. 
• Assist public transport by improving traffic flow and preventing drivers from parking on bus stops 
• Help to prevent damage to pavements and highway verges by reducing the amount of illegal parking in these areas.

The first big test for parking enforcers could come as soon as next Sunday.

One concerned Deeside citizen posted a video, shot yesterday (Sunday 29th Sept) onto You Tube, It highlights a major issue outside the Cestrian Street Church in Connah`s Quay, an issue he has frequently contacted the council about.

Cars can be seen straddling the pavement on double yellow lines, parked on grass banks, pedestrian pavements and bus stops.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9imYpQqxDc

We will of course keep an eye on this particular ongoing issue, and effectiveness of the parking enforcers, and their willingness to take action.
 

Penalties under the new regulations include, a fine of £70 or £50 depending on the seriousness of the contravention.

A 50% discount does apply if the penalty notice charge (PCN) is paid within 14 days reducing the charge to £35 or £25.

Non payment (or no challenge) of a PCN will increase the full charge by a further  50% after 56 days.

How to avoid receiving a penalty.

• Do not park in a parking space reserved for specific users such as blue badge holders without correctly displaying a valid permit 
• Do not park on zigzag lines marked on the road outside schools or at pedestrian crossings. 
• Do not park in areas marked as bus stops 
• Ensure that you do not park outside of a marked bay in a car park 
• Ensure that you have parked your vehicle correctly within a marked parking bay 
• Do not park in areas where waiting and loading restrictions are in force 
• Do not park for longer than the allowed time where parking times are limited 
• Observe the regulations and read the information on the plates and signs