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South Cambridgeshire Civil Parking Enforcement

The introduction of Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) transfers the powers and responsibilities for on-street parking enforcement from the Police to the local highway authority. The majority of on-street offences are then treated as civil matters which is enforced by Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO).

Cambridgeshire County Council’s application for CPE in South Cambridgeshire was approved by the Secretary of State via the Department for Transport (DfT) on 19 December 2023.

‘Warning notices’ with a zero charge have been issued across South Cambridgeshire during January 2024 to vehicles parked in contravention, such as double yellow lines. Live Penalty Charge Notices will be issued from 1 February 2024.

Patrols will predominantly focus on areas where parking is in the greatest demand, such as commuting and shopping areas. Enforcement activity will be governed by resources and tailored accordingly.

Civil Parking Enforcement - Frequently Asked Questions

The flexibility and benefits of CPE are:

  • Increase targeted enforcement of problematic parking
  • Improve traffic flow
  • Encourage correct, sensible and safe parking
  • Improve road safety for all road users
  • Improve access for pedestrians and service and emergency vehicles
  • Encourage active travel
  • Promote the economic growth of market towns
  • Support environmental objectives to reduce congestion and improve air quality through proactively managing parking restrictions

CPE will be implemented across the District of South Cambridgeshire on 1 February 2024. 

Cambridgeshire County Council is applying to the Department for Transport (DfT) to transfer enforcement responsibilities from the Police to the local authority regarding bus lane and bus gate regulations in the districts of South Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire. If successful, it is expected that the council would start enforcement in winter 2024.

The adoption of CPE powers means our Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) can enforce restrictions, such as single or double yellow lines, dropped kerbs with tactile pavements. Dropped kerbs outside residents’ properties will only be made by request.

Some traffic regulations will continue to be enforced by the Police such as those causing an obstruction, dangerous parking, footway parking where there are no restrictions in place, vehicles parked on pedestrian crossings and zig-zag lines.

The Police will retain powers to enforce:

  • dangerous or obstructive parking
  • vehicles parked on pedestrian crossings and zig zag lines
  • moving vehicle violations, such as speeding and going through ‘no entry’ signs

Most parking violations, however, will become civil offences dealt with by the relevant County and District Council.

CPE and Bus Lane Enforcement will lead to a significant improvement in parking practices across the CPE and Bus Lane Enforcement districts, promoting the benefits of good parking and enforcing where necessary.

It will reduce unsafe parking, make sure emergency vehicles can get through, reduce impact on local businesses by improving turnover of parking spaces and reduce environmental impact by tackling congestion.

The Council will focus on areas where illegal parking has the most impact on road safety and congestion.

There are two levels of Penalty Charge:

  • £70 for the more serious offences, such as parking on yellow lines
  • £50 for less serious offences, such as overstaying in a limited waiting bay

Both charges are reduced by 50% if paid within the discounted period.

Read our Parking tickets and appeals page for more information.