Considerate parking scheme

Scarborough Borough Council has launched a new scheme to combat the problems of anti-social parking and the negative effect it can have on local communities.

‘The Considerate Parking Initiative’ allows Police Community Support Officers and the council’s own Civil Enforcement Officers to place an advice notice on cars parked inconsiderately, such as blocking driveways, parking on grass verges or pavements, or parking too close to road junctions.

While not necessarily illegal or in contravention of existing Traffic Regulation Orders, this sort of parking can inconvenience other drivers and pedestrians, lead to unnecessary additional on street parking, in some cases be dangerous and if carried out persistently, can lead to disagreements between neighbours. Instead of fining a driver, the aim of the notice is to make the driver understand the consequences of their actions, encourage them to alter their parking habits and therefore avoid the need for further regulation of the roads. The Considerate Parking Initiative was originally launched by Tendring District Council in Brightlingsea. It proved hugely successful and has since been recognised nationally as an innovative approach to parking enforcement.

Scarborough Borough Council is working with North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire County Council to trial the scheme in the Borough of Scarborough. If successful, it could be rolled out across North Yorkshire.

Cllr Andrew Backhouse, Scarborough Borough Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for parking said:

“We recognise the need in our borough to retain valuable parking space where possible and go as far as we can in tackling public concerns about anti-social parking. By highlighting the issues and asking motorists to be more considerate, we hope the need for further regulation and enforcement can be avoided.”

Inspector Mike Fenton, North Yorkshire Police added:

“We all know our roads are getting more and more congested and finding a parking space, particularly in some of the area’s narrowest streets, can be tricky, but it’s no excuse to park inconsiderately or dangerously.

“Drivers must remember that parents with buggies and wheelchair users need to be able to use the pavement. There’s also the danger that bad parking can create a blind spot or obstruct sightlines, especially when parked near a junction.”

Persistent offenders, who ignore advice notices and continue with bad parking habits, may be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice.