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Surrey County Council
has welcomed new parking rules about
to be introduced which will be good
news for motorists.
From 31 March, the Government is
introducing new parking regulations
which are aimed at making the system
fairer for motorists and more transparent.
Recognising that some parking offences
have greater impact than others,
the Traffic Management Act 2004
introduces different levels of penalty
charges, depending on the seriousness
of the offence. For example, parking
on a yellow line, or in a disabled
bay without a blue badge, will attract
a higher penalty (£70) while
staying too long in a free parking
place is reduced to £50. This
provides a greater deterrent to
those who are tempted to park in
a way that causes danger, disruption
or makes life more difficult for
those more vulnerable. As now charges
will be halved if paid within 14
days.
The new legislation also aims to
be fair to those on the receiving
end of a ticket. If you challenge
the ticket within the 14 day discount
period the local authority should
respond within 14 days. In addition,
wheel clamping and removal of vehicles
are discouraged except for people
who persistently break the law,
and if you challenge the ticket
but are unsuccessful, the local
authority should consider re-offering
the early payment discount.
Enforcement officers will also
be able to issue tickets for parking
on zigzag lines at pedestrian crossings,
taxi ranks or across a dropped kerb,
and for double parking.
Local councils will be able to
serve penalty charge notices by
post if the driver has driven away
or become aggressive before the
ticket can be served, and will also
be able to use CCTV evidence to
issue a ticket.
The new national guidance seeks
to focus local authorities on tackling
road safety and congestion, and
the county council will carry out
regular reviews to make sure that
the intended results are being achieved.
This will be in consultation with
the borough and district councils
which enforce the rules on its behalf
and with other local people and
organisations.
David Munro, the council's Executive
Member for Transport, said "The
new rules should see fewer drivers
creating hazards and congestion
on our roads, while those whose
parking offences are less antisocial
will pay less."
Information on parking fines and
a copy of the Traffic Management
Act 2004 covering parking enforcement
is available online.
For further information see: www.surreycc.gov.uk
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