Parking Enforcement

Enforcement of Parking Regulations is our responsibility. Parking laws are set out in the Road Traffic Act 1984, the Road Traffic Act 1991, the Traffic Management Act 2004 and in the local Traffic Regulation Orders.

Civil Enforcement Officers employed by Vinci Park Services Ltd deliver the enforcement for us. They issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to vehicles parked in breach of the regulations. The Civil Enforcement Offices do not have targets and do not receive bonuses based on the number of PCNs issued.

The scheme is intended to influence the amount of traffic in the town to ease conjuction, improve access for emergency vehicles, help the free flow of public transport and manager where you park.

More information about Parking Regulations and what to do if you receive a PCN can be found on these pages and at www.patrol-uk.info

The Council's Parking Services staff always aim to enforce parking regulations fairly and equitably.

The Council believes that effective parking enforcement benefits public transport users, pedestrians, cyclists and responsible drivers.
 
The Parking Services team maintain ticket machines and meters as well as the signs and infrastructure of on and off-street car parking to make sure parking bays are always available and safe to use.
 
The team also aims to handle all enquiries in a courteous and helpful manner and respond to all written representations about Penalty Charge Notices.
 
Parking Services have taken over the duties of traffic wardens where On and Off street parking is concerned.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding Penalty Charges

How do I pay my Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)?

However you chose to pay the charge we need to know the PCN number or your vehicle registration number. The PCN number can be found on the top left hand side of the notice and will begin with the letters SE.

You can pay your penalty charge in any of the following ways:


Telephone
By calling Vinci Park Services on 01604 6256104 Monday to Friday 09.00 to 17.00.  Payments can be made using a debit or credit card..

By Post
By filling in your debit/credit card details on the reverse of the PCN or by sending a cheque/postal order made payable to "South Bedfordshire District Council" (with the PCN number and your name and address on the reverse of the cheque/postal order) to Vinci Park Services UK Ltd , PO Box 597, Northampton NN4 7XN.

If you pay your penalty charge within 14 days from the date the PCN was issued , the charge is reduced by 50%.

How do I dispute my Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)?

If you wish to dispute the penalty charge notice for any reason your representation must be made in writing, quoting the notice number and sent to Vinci Park Services UK Ltd , PO Box 597,Northampton NN4 7XN.

All representations must be made in writing, staff will be unable to consider personal appeals either over the phone or in person.

Whilst we consider your disputed PCN we will freeze the deadline date to pay until such time as we respond. If your dispute is unsuccessful we will expect payment within 14 days from the date of our response.

If you are still unhappy with the outcome you will have the opportunity to take the matter to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT).

How much do I pay?

Your penalty charge notice will cost £70 or £50 depending on the seriousness of the contravention. However if you pay the charge within 14 days from the date the PCN was issued the charge is reduced to £35 or £25. 

How do I get a Dispensation for single or double yellow lines. 

Under circumstances the Council will allow a vehicle or vehicles to park lawfully in places where they would usually be contravening the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), by issuing a dispensation. For more information on  Dispensation

How do I get a Suspension for parking bays . 

It will be necessary from time to time to suspend parking bays including residents and other permit bays. The Council will allow a vehicle or vehicles to park lawfully in places where they would usually be contravening the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), by issuing a Suspension. For more information on Suspension

 
Updated 20/06/08