Park properly or pay up!

The changes will improve road safety and access for pedestrians by deterring drivers from blocking roads and pavements.

If approved, the new rules will help pedestrians – especially wheelchair users and those with mobility vehicles or prams – to get around easily and safely as officers will be able to issue penalties to vehicles parked on dropped kerbs. Officers will also be able to issue penalties to vehicles which obstruct roads and traffic by parking more than 50cm away from the kerb, known as “double parking”.

Paul Riley, Lancashire Parking Services Manager, said: “Poor parking causes considerable inconvenience for other road users and people trying to cross the road, especially if they need to use a dropped kerb which happens to be blocked by an inconsiderate driver.

“The government has recognised this problem by creating new powers which councils have been encouraged to adopt, and we’re now looking at enforcing these new parking rules in Lancashire. The reason we have parking enforcement is to keep traffic moving and improve safety – these rules have the potential to benefit every road user who is frustrated by selfish and inconsiderate parking.”

A decision on whether to adopt the new rules will be taken by County Coun. Tim Ashton, Cabinet member for highways and transport, this Friday (August 5th).

Drivers who break the new rules could receive a penalty charge which currently stands at £70, discounted to £35 if paid within 14 days. However, enforcement of dropped kerbs will not be targeted but reactive to meet the demands of the community and will take place as part of the officer’s typical enforcement activities, with no additional resources required.

To find out more about parking enforcement in Lancashire visit: www.lancashire.gov.uk/parking