Council team hitting the streets ready for parking handover

North Lincolnshire Council's new team goes on patrol for the first time today – armed with hand-held computers and cameras to collect photographic evidence and ready to warn drivers what they can expect very soon.

Anyone caught parking on double yellow lines, at bus stops or taxi ranks, or outside schools, or failing to display tickets or blue badges, or parking longer than allowed will receive fine ticket of as much as 70.

On March 1, the Council will formally take over the enforcement powers from Humberside Police – releasing officers to concentrate on more serious crime and anti-social behaviour issues.

However, from today, Council officials will be placing warning notices on cars informing the drivers that they are parked in contravention of the parking regulations – in preparation for the take-over.

Parking restrictions will not change, but making one organisation – the Council – responsible for all enforcement will take some weight off the police. However, officers will still deal with dangerous parking and obstruction offences.

The council wardens will not just ensure drivers park safely and legally. They will also act as ambassadors, giving people directions and offering help and advice about car security.

Another of their roles will be to monitor congestion hotspots and identify new road safety orders, and check if existing orders need changing.

Councillor Bernard Regan, cabinet member for highways and planning, said: "The vast majority of people do park safely and legally.

"But we receive many complaints from the public and local businesses telling us they've had enough of people ignoring parking restrictions and they want to see tougher action.

"There are many benefits to parking correctly. It helps improve road safety, avoids congestion and keeps traffic flowing. It also facilitates turn-over of traffic outside shops and other businesses – helping support the local economy.

"From March 1, there will be a more visible presence out on the streets. But if you park correctly, you've nothing to worry about. It is the minority of people who continue to flout the law that we will be targeting, and rightly so. If you don't want a ticket, ensure you park safely and legally."

Chief Superintendent Pete Simmonds, from Humberside Police, said: "Humberside Police already work closely in partnership with North Lincolnshire Council on road safety issues.

"This will now be extended by the council taking over parking enforcement. This will free up the time of police officers to deal with the serious issues of crime and anti social behaviour that is of concern to communities.

"It will also allow the council to ensure the smooth flow of traffic for road users in North Lincolnshire through more effective enforcement of parking regulations."

As well as the high level charge of 70 there will be a lower fine of 50 for less serious breaches, such as parking for longer than permitted, not parking correctly, parking outside bays, or returning to the same space before the permitted time.

Council chiefs have also said that the charges can be reduced by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days, and anyone who feels unfairly treated has a right of appeal to the Council and, ultimately, an independent tribunal.

Areas covered by the authority , which is responsible for 800 miles of roads, include Ashby, Barton, Crowle, Epworth, Scunthorpe, and Winterton.

More details have been published on the council website – www.north.lincs.gov.uk and information is available by telephone from 01724 297000.