Cambridgeshire drivers warned about illegal parking clampdown

Further enforcement is being introduced regarding illegal on-road parking

Drivers in South Cambridgeshire are being warned about a new crackdown on illegal parking.

From next month, Cambridgeshire County Council will be enforcing restrictions on single and double yellow lines.

Civil enforcement officers will be issuing penalty charge notices - something previously only police could do.

The authority hopes it will lead to less obstructive parking, improve traffic flow and road safety.

It said it wanted to make the change so it did not have to rely on police to enforce the law - and free up community police for other priorities.

Alex Beckett, the Liberal Democrat chair of the county council's highways and transport committee, said: "We ask that people take an extra second to think about where they park in the future, as drivers are far more likely to receive a fine now that this application has been approved.

"Always check the lines and signs or other notices in the area where you are planning to park. Check The Highway Code if you are not sure what a sign or line means."

'More likely to be fined'

An awareness campaign will take place over the coming weeks, with warning notices placed on the windscreens of drivers found to be breaking the rules.

Dangerous parking and parking on pavements would continue to be enforced by Cambridgeshire Police.

The initial set-up cost for the scheme in South Cambridgeshire is being funded by the Greater Cambridge Partnership.

Liberal Democrat councillor Bill Handley, South Cambridgeshire District Council's lead cabinet member for communities, said: "Parking restrictions are there for a reason. Parking where it is not allowed can be dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers.

"Please pay even closer attention to the lines and signs when you are parking locally from now on. You will be far more likely to be fined soon if you park in places where you should not - like on double yellow lines.

"We are very grateful to the Greater Cambridge Partnership and county council for working with us for the benefit of our communities."

Similar enforcement is due to be introduced in Huntingdonshire and Fenland in future.