Paying The Price for Inconsiderate Parking
Friday 26th March
Inconsiderate drivers face a penalty charge
for double parking or parking alongside dropped kerbs and driveways
under new powers Bedford Borough Council has announced.
The powers, which form Part 6 of the Traffic
Management Act 2004, are being introduced to tackle problem parking
following complaints from residents across the borough. Problems
caused by unauthorised parking include:
Creating Safety risks for other drivers and
pedestrians
Preventing refuse collections
Preventing emergency access
As well as enabling powers to hand out fines
on the spot, the legislation means that drivers can be issued with
a penalty charge notice by post, in appropriate circumstances,
including leaving the scene before the penalty charge notice has
been served.
Commenting, Cllr Charles Royden, Environment
Portfolio Holder 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.”