New measures to tackle illegal parking in Fenland investigated

Cabinet members want to crackdown on problem parking in both on and off-street areas, such as in town centres, residential areas and outside schools, as well as in the council’s free car parks.

On-street parking enforcement is currently undertaken in the district by the police when resources permit or where required in a targeted manner following public complaints.

But the council says a more long-term solution to regulate and prevent illegal parking, and encourage safe and sensible parking, is required.

Cllr Jan French, the council’s cabinet member responsible for parking, said: “Illegal and inconsiderate parking causes significant issues for other road users and pedestrians, as well as access problems for residents living nearby. While ad hoc enforcement can be effective in the short term, we want to create a longer-term solution.”

One option would be for the council, in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council, to apply to the Secretary of State for a Civil Parking Enforcement order, which means the council would become responsible for enforcing on-street parking instead of the police.

However, due to the amount of work that would need to be undertaken in advance of an application, it is estimated the Civil Parking Enforcement route would cost the council more than £250,000 and take around two years to implement.

Therefore, alternative options are also being considered, including funding Cambridgeshire police for dedicated Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who would carry out parking enforcement under the direction of the council.

Another option is for council officers to use delegated police powers to carry out parking enforcement, in a similar manner to its existing environmental enforcement powers.

Cllr French said: “We are very mindful that residents want a solution to parking problems as soon as possible. While Civil Parking Enforcement would enable greater local control and regulation of on and off-street parking areas, we are looking at other ways we could make this happen in a more timely and cost effective manner.

“All options are being explored with a view to implementing a solution in the coming months. In the meantime, I’d like to encourage motorists to park responsibly and help to keep our towns and villages moving.”