The current legislation under which the Council operates Decriminalised Parking Enforcement is the Traffic Management Act 2004 (TMA). This came into force on 31st March 2008 and replaced the Road Traffic Act 1991 (as amended).

Under the TMA, Decriminalised Parking Enforcement became Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE). Parking Attendants became Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs).

Changes to previous operations:

• Differential parking penalties depending on the seriousness of the contravention. Parking Penalties are no longer £60.00. There are now two charge bands. £70.00 (discounted to £35.00 if paid within 14 days) for more serious contraventions and £50.00 (discounted to £25.00 if paid within 14 days) for less serious contraventions.
  
• Details of procedures for representations and appeals are printed on the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
  
• We have the power to serve a PCN by post if the CEO has started to issue it but the driver leaves with the vehicle before it can be served.

You can now view the Discretion Policy on line.

Service Guarantee

Our aim is to seek continuous service improvement.

The parking service pledges to: -

• Improve our car parks appearance and quality within existing council budgets
• Employ staff fully trained in customer care who are helpful and courteous while carrying out their duties
• Answer all telephone calls within 5 rings and return messages left on the same or following day
• Answer all written enquiries and all appeals against penalty charges in full within 10 working days
• Remove reported graffiti within 48 hours
• Place "under investigation" notices on abandoned vehicles within 24 hours and remove at the earliest opportunity
• Remove vehicles not requiring investigation within 48 hours
• Clear obstruction and debris on car park surfaces on the same day unless mechanical assistance is required
• Repair all machines within 4 hours for minor defects and within 3 days for major repairs
• Ensure 95% of car parks lighting is working at all times

Decriminalisation Of Parking Enforcement Information

The powers enable District and Borough Councils in the County to:-

• Keep Tendring Moving - Main roads will be kept clear of illegally parked vehicles, particularly during rush hour traffic.
• Support Local Businesses - Areas of short-term parking, such as outside local shops, will receive more attention, increasing the potential for local trade.
• Support Town Centre Needs - Encouraging commuters and other drivers to use long-stay car parks where appropriate, freeing up short-stay car park spaces for drivers who need them.
• Increase Parking for Residents - Discouraging people from parking in permit only areas.
• Increase Blue Badge Benefits - Increased enforcement of existing parking spaces for disabled drivers will improve availability for Blue Badge holders.
  
  Frequently Asked Questions about Decriminalised Parking Enforcement

Operational Parking Enforcement Policy

We welcome any comments, observations or suggestions

TENDRING DISTRICT COUNCIL
PO BOX 8259
CLACTON-ON-SEA
ESSEX
CO15 6WZ

PHONE: 01255 686969 (Office Hours)
(24HR ANSWERING MACHINE)
EMERGENCY NUMBER: CARELINE 01255 222727