Car Parking - Enforcement Regulations

On 31 March 2008 new regulations were introduced in England and Wales that saw the first nationwide changes to on-street parking since 1993. The regulations provide motorists with a fairer and more transparent parking enforcement service across the country, helping raise industry standards in parking.

What was called Decriminalised Parking Enforcement is now referred to as Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) and Parking Attendants became Civil Enforcement Officers.

The new Regulations require CPE to be transparent, simple and proportional to motorists, and Local Authorities have to make clear that enforcement is based on compliance with local parking regulations and not the number of tickets issued.

The CPE regulations introduce proportionality. The motorist benefits from having the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) more closely aligned with the seriousness of the contravention, with parking on a yellow line incurring a higher penalty than simply over-staying in a parking place.

From 31 March 2008 Penalty Charge Notices became either £70 (higher level) or £50 (lower level), with corresponding reductions to £35 or £25 if payment is made within the 14-day period. More information regarding contraventions and penalty charges can be found on our Contraventions Frequently Asked Questions page.

Changes in the regulations meant that Local Authorities are able to issue PCNs by post when CEOs are prevented from serving notices by threat or actual violence, or to motorists who regularly contravene the rules but simply driving away when they see a CEO.

There is an increased discount period for PCNs sent by post from 14 days to 21, except where violence or threats of violence prevented the service of the PCN.