Civil parking enforcement

Enforcement officers enforce both on and off street parking regulations in accordance with our code of practice for civil parking enforcement and the Operational Guidance to local authorities (opens in new window).

Civil Enforcement Officers are trained to assist members of the public with requests for information and advice. However, they cannot withdraw a penalty charge once it has been issued.

Information on how to make a challenge is given on the reverse of the penalty charge notice.

Penalty charges are issued where a civil enforcement officer believes there has been a contravention of the parking regulations.

There are two tiers of charges;
• A higher charge of £70 (reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days) for more serious contraventions such as parking on yellow lines or stopping on zig zag markings outside of a school.
• The lower charge of £50 (reduced to £25 if paid within 14 days) is for less serious contraventions such as parking with an expired pay and display ticket.

For more in-depth information including how to challenge a penalty charge notice please read our penalty charge notice page and our Cancellation Policy for Penalty Charge Notices.

Verge and Pavement Parking

Vehicles parking on verges and pavements cause problems for pedestrians. If there are yellow lines adjacent to the pavement it is a contravention under the Traffic Management Act 2004, and the vehicle may be issued with a penalty charge notice. (Contact the council's enforcement team - details below).

We regret Southampton City Council's parking enforcement staff cannot enforce verge and pavement parking where no yellow lines are in place. Such incidents can be reported to the police non-emergency number 0845 045 4545.

Dropped Kerb Parking

CEOs carry out enforcement of pedestrian dropped kerbs as they come across them whilst on patrol and in response to contact from the house owner/resident whose driveway is obstructed.

If they identify that in their opinion a vehicle is in contravention of parking regulations and restrictions within the criteria for dropped kerb parking they are authorised to issue a PCN.

The vehicle would not be authorised for removal (unless identified as abandoned). Whilst powers to tow away vehicles are available from legislation the council has not introduced this. The police have retained powers for dealing with dangerous or obstruction parking.

Parking fraud covers the misuse and abuse of disabled badges, the use of counterfeit or altered blue badges, permits and pay and display tickets, and the use of use of lost, stolen or deceased persons blue badges and permits.

We will investigate all types of parking fraud.

Civil enforcement officers will make enquires regarding any parking document they suspect has been altered, copied or is being used fraudulently. Along with the police they are able to inspect blue badges. It is an offence if a person refuses (without reasonable excuse) to produce a badge for inspection, punishable on conviction by a fine of up to £1000.

For more information and to report suspected fraud visit our parking fraud page.