Parking Tickets Through The Post

5 April 2010, 06:00

Drivers in Bedford who park illegally or unsafely could soon find they receive a parking ticket through the post.

That is because traffic wardens across the Borough have been given new powers to send tickets to people, even if they have driven away from the scene.

It's part of the council's drive to make roads, particularly around schools, safer.

The powers, which form Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004, are being introduced following complaints from residents.  The new powers mean that:

  • Enforcement action can be taken against vehicles parked on dropped kerbs or more than 50cm away from the kerb and double-parked vehicles.
  • There is no longer a need for a Penalty Charge Notice to be placed on a vehicle or handed to a driver for it to be properly served.
  • If a vehicle is driven away before the Notice is issued, it may be posted to the registered keeper of the vehicle.
  • If a civil enforcement officer, for whatever reason, is unable to serve the Notice, it may be posted to the registered keeper or owner of the vehicle.

Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Transport at the Borough Council said: "Inconsiderate drivers can cause a blight on their local area.  They also pose a significant safety risk where they prevent access for emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire engines.  We're using these powers to make sure these drivers clean up their act, making our roads safer for us all.

"It is no longer the case that drivers can simply get in their car and drive off to avoid a fine.  From April 1st we will be issuing penalty charges by post to those who persist in parking in a hazardous way."

You can listen to Mathew Williams' full interview with Mr Royden by clicking here...