Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) Explained
Q: When did the new arrangements start?
The new arrangements commenced on Monday 4 July 2005. From this date the Police ceased to have any powers to enforce yellow lines and other parking restrictions. All enforcement is now carried out by, and on behalf of, the Council.
Q: 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 Police or Traffic Wardens are not enforcing parking restrictions. Council employed Parking Attendants have taken over the role and 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.
Q: Where and when will enforcement take place?
DPE covers most roads and car parks within the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster, the main exemptions being the motorways. Enforcement could be carried out on any day and at any time that a waiting or parking restriction is in force.
Q: How much will a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cost?
For all contraventions both on street and in a car park the PCN is £70 higher rate or £50 lower rate, this is reduced to £35 or £25 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 £105 or £75.
Q: Will 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 will undergo comprehensive training to achieve nationally recognised standards of competence.
Q: What are the benefits of local enforcement?
Local enforcement will keep Doncaster moving, reduce dangerous and inconvenient parking, support local businesses, support town centre needs, assist loading and unloading, improve conditions in residential parking areas, improve road safety and assist blue badge holders.
Q: Is this another “fund raising exercise”?
No. Income from enforcement will come only from drivers who have contravened parking regulations. Payments received help fund the cost of providing the enforcement and parking service.
Q: Will 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.
Q: Will vehicles be clamped?
At the present time it is not intended to introduce clamping. It is an option that is available and could be considered at some time in the future.
Q: Will the Police be responsible for any parking enforcement?
The Police are not be responsible for enforcing any permanent waiting, loading or parking restrictions. The Police continue to issue parking tickets for parking on pedestrian crossing zigzags as this offence also carries penalty points and also continue to deal with obstruction and all moving traffic offences.
Q: How will the Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO) be different from the traffic wardens?
Although CEO have a similar role to that of the Traffic Wardens, they are be employed by the local authority and not the police. CEOs issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) not parking tickets. CEOs wear uniforms and are easily recognisable.
How will DPE affect the motorist?
Q: How do I avoid getting a PCN?
Motorists who don't contravene parking regulations will not be affected by DPE. Look out for the lines, signs and notices when you park. These will tell you about any restrictions or charges that are payable to park. The Highway Code will help explain what the signs and lines mean.
Q: 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 will be 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.
Q: 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.
Q: I am a blue badge holder, how will the changes affect me?
The blue badge scheme will continue to operate as before when parking on street. If you park in accordance with the Blue Badge scheme you will not receive a PCN. Within the Council car parks all blue badge users will be exempt from parking charges if parked in a designated disabled bay. However, if parked in a non-designated bay for blue badge holders the appropriate parking fee must be paid and the ticket displayed in the vehicle.
Q: What will happen to Residents' Permit Parking schemes?
The schemes will continue to operate as they are, but residents should benefit from improved enforcement.
Q: 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 providing that loading restrictions are not provided.
Q: 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. This will have to be confirmed by both the Councils Parking Services Manager and Streetworks Co-ordinator and will be chargeable at £15.00 per vehicle for the 1st day, £10.00 per vehicle per day thereafter.. Telephone 01302 735041.
Q: 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.
Q: 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 will retain responsibility for dealing with these matters of obstruction.
Q: 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
Q: 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.
Q: How and where can I pay a PCN?
You can pay through the post by sending a cheque or postal order to the address shown on the PCN. Do not send cash. You can also pay in person at any Council payment office. Always include details of the PCN number and your address with any payment. Alternatively you can pay your parking fine online through the following link: www.doncaster.gov.uk/paymentsonline
Q: 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.
Q: What happens if I dispute the PCN?
You should not ignore the notice, if 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 dispute. Further information and appeal forms are also available at all Council Payment 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 Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT). TPT is a totally independent appeal service and is free to motorists. All TPT appeals are dealt with by experienced lawyers. Details of how to contact TPT will be provided on your decision letter.
Q: What happens if I lose my appeal to the Council and TPT but refuse to pay?
If you lose your appeal to TPT you must pay the PCN. If you refuse, the amount of the PCN will increase to £105 (higher rate) or £75 (lower rate) and the debt will be registered by the Council at the Traffic Enforcement Centre (TEC). The Council may ask the Court to issue a warrant for authorisation to recover the debt through the use of certificated bailiffs at an additional cost of £5. Any charges by the Council or the appointed bailiffs will be over and above the £110 (higher rate) or £80 (lower rate).
Enquiries and Complaints
Q: How do I make a complaint, report a parking problem or request additional enforcement in my area?
Enquiries should be directed to the Parking Service 01302 735041 or if you have been issued a PCN you may write to the address shown on the PCN.
Q: How do I report damaged or missing waiting or parking restriction signs, posts or road markings?
You should contact the above telephone number and leave the details of what you think is wrong, or alternatively email parking.services@doncaster.gov.uk
