On and off street parking
The government has empowered councils to be responsible for enforcing controls and restrictions for all on and off street parking.
In Southampton (under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act) Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) carry out on and off-street enforcement. In addition to the powers given to Parking Attendants, they can enforce zig zag lines by pedestrian crossings, along with double parking and parking outside a dropped kerb.
They use hand held computers and a digital camera. The photograph can be used as evidence in the event of an appeal against a Penalty Charge Notice.
Civil Enforcement Officers are trained to assist members of the public with their requests for information and advice. However, they cannot withdraw a notice once it has been issued or commenced. Once a notice has been issued, there is an appeals procedure which is indicated on the reverse of the notice.
Only our representations team have the authority to withdraw a notice on appeal once they have considered the merits of the appeal.
The council has enforced the parking controls and restrictions rigorously but fairly from day one for everyone's benefit, and will continue to do so. The penalty charge is on a two tier system with a higher charge for those contraventions deemed as being more serious, e.g. yellow line parking and and zig zag line parking, and a lower charge for those less serious contraventions e.g. exceeding the time on a pay and display ticket.
The penalty charge should be paid within 28 days. The higher charge is £70 (reduced to £35 if payment is made within 14 days), and the lower charge is £50 (reduced to £25 if payment is made within 14 days). If no payment or appeal is received within 90 days, the penalty charge increases to £105 at the higher level, and £75 at the lower level.
Vehicles parking on verges and pavements are becoming an increasing problem throughout the city. It is contrary to the Highways Act and can often be an obstruction to other users of the Highway. If there are double yellow lines adjacent to the pavement it is a contravention under the Traffic Management Act 2004, making the driver liable to be issued with a penalty charge notice.
Where there are yellow lines next to the pavement, you can contact the council's enforcement team (see contact details below). Southampton City Council's parking enforcement staff cannot enforce verge and pavement parking where no yellow lines are in place, and such incidents should be reported to the police non-emergency number 0845 045 4545
However, If you believe that any of the existing controls and restrictions are not appropriate for today's conditions, the council would like to hear from you.
Can I challenge a Penalty Charge?
You can contest a penalty charge if you believe that you have been "booked" unfairly but if the mistake is yours you are unlikely to be successful. All communication should be in writing. You can use the 'challenge a penalty charge' link in the 'key online services' box at the top of this page.
The Traffic Penalty Tribunal (see link at the foot of this page) has been set up to ensure that unresolved legal disputes between the motorist and the council can be heard at a formal tribunal hearing. This body is completely independent of the council.
All unpaid penalty charge notices will be processed through a streamlined county court system with collection of unpaid charges culminating in bailiff action.
The parking controls and restrictions are introduced for a purpose, for example to prevent accidents, to control cars causing problems in residential streets and to reduce traffic congestion which causes severe pollution.
Yellow lines help to reduce accidents by preventing people from parking dangerously
Yellow lines help to maintain traffic flow and reduce congestion
Yellow lines allow loading and unloading of goods for a short period of time only
Yellow lines make sure everyone can get access to places safely
Bus stop clearways keep bus stops safe for passengers
Time limits in parking zones help to ensure visitors can find somewhere to park throughout the day
Spaces for blue badge holders provide safe and accessible parking for people with mobility issues.
Residents parking facilities enable residents can park near their homes
Taxi ranks and coach stands assist public transport
Motor cycle bays assist two wheeled transport
The varied controls and restrictions are all in common use nationwide as indicated in the Highway Code.
Moving traffic
The timetable for the introduction of moving traffic enforcement has yet to be confirmed.
How to avoid incurring a penalty charge -Do PARK RIGHT
Park safely
Park where permitted - use spaces provided and park between the marked lines
Check the notices for time limits - they vary a lot
Move off within the time limit
Have consideration for other people
Use and display your disabled person's badge properly
Load and unload as quickly as possible
Read the Highway Code to refresh your memory of the meaning of road markings
Do not:
For further information or if you have any queries please call the parking team between 8.30am - 4.30pm.
Southampton City Council
