More powers to tackle parking

Hertsmere’s Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are now equipped to deal with illegal parking and anti-social motoring.

PCSOs across Hertfordshire have been given the new powers to tackle a common concern raised by people in many residential areas.

The moves have been welcomed by Cllr John Donne, portfolio holder for Community Safety and Transport. He said: “Parking problems can be a real problem for residents and I am glad that our PCSOs will now be able to issue fixed penalty notices to those that flout the law.

“Drivers who are inconsiderate can cause a lot of traffic problems and be a real inconvenience to other road users and residents so I hope these new powers will help to ease problems. Drivers who continue to ignore the rules should be warned that they run the risk of getting a ticket.”

Superintendent Andy McCracken, from Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: “Parking problems and anti-social motoring, such as noisy mini motorbikes in open spaces, are possibly the most frequent reasons for complaints to local officers. These new powers will enable us to deal more quickly and effectively with these issues and give our communities an even better service.”

Hertsmere has 26 PCSOs, and Hertsmere Borough Council contributes £128,000 a year towards this. They will now be able to deal with offences such as failure to exhibit an excise license (tax disc), sounding a horn at night or when stationary, unnecessary obstruction, driving on a verge or footway, excessive noise, riding a motorcycle with no protective headgear and some pedal cycle offences such as cycling on a footpath and contravening a traffic sign. Unlike council-employed civil enforcement officers, PCSOs cannot issue tickets for vehicles contravening yellow lines, unless they are causing an obstruction or parked in such a way as to endanger others.

Non-endorsable fixed penalty notices (FPNs) carrying a £30 fine, and endorsable FPNs a £60 fine and points on a driving licence.

Parking regulations were decriminalised in Hertfordshire in 2005 and enforcement responsibilities were then passed local authorities. The new powers for PCSOs mean that they can also deal with parking issues.