Car parks

Parking enforcement in Lincoln

Civil Parking Enforcement is where local authorities take over responsibility for enforcing ‘on street and off street’ parking restrictions from the police.

These powers were introduced by the Road Traffic Act 1991 (amended by the Traffic Management Act 2004) and local authorities have to apply to central government to take on the powers and responsibility for parking enforcement.

When CPE is put into place, the key differences will be that:

  • The majority of parking contraventions (including parking on yellow lines and parking for longer than is permitted) are no longer a criminal offence but a civil matter subject to penalty charges
  • A new type of parking ticket, called a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), is issued if a parking restriction is contravened

A new Parking Enforcement Procedures Manual has been produced for motorists by the county and district councils. This general public guide aims to:

  • Remind people how to park carefully and considerately within the law
  • Explain Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) and the appeals system
  • Outline standard contraventions and observation times
  • Offer guidance on enforcement procedures.

You can find out more information on the Lincolnshire County Council’s website: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/cpe