Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) has officially taken over responsibility for enforcing parking restrictions, with Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) now in operation across the district.
In its first week, Civil Parking Enforcement saw officers visit 90% of wards across Huntingdonshire and issue over 250 on-street warning notices.
The change follows formal approval from the Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood MP, earlier this year. The district’s Civil Enforcement Area status came into effect at the end of July, with Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) being issued from 4 August.
Offences that can now result in a PCN include:
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Parking on double yellow lines
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Using disabled bays without a valid Blue Badge
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Obstructive or inconsiderate parking in restricted areas.
CPE does not create new parking rules; it enables local authority officers to enforce the restrictions already in place. The scheme is designed to tackle dangerous and inconsiderate parking, improve road safety, and keep streets accessible for all.
Previously, routine parking enforcement was handled by the police. Under the new system, HDC’s Civil Enforcement Officers will deal with everyday parking offences, while the police will continue to address serious breaches such as parking on pedestrian crossings, dangerously obstructive parking, and moving traffic offences.
Cllr Julie Kerr, Executive Councillor for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene, said: "We’re pleased to confirm that Civil Parking Enforcement is now operational across Huntingdonshire. Our priority is to keep streets safer, ease congestion, and make sure parking is fair for everyone. We’ve already had residents thank our enforcement officers for their work, and we’re seeing improved access for emergency vehicles in some areas as a result."
Further information, including a full list of FAQs, can be found at Civil Parking Enforcement.