Runnymede gets tough on parking enforcement

From November 2004, Runnymede Council assumed responsibility for enforcing on-street parking restrictions in the Borough. This activity was transferred from Surrey Police to enable the police to concentrate their resources on dealing with more serious crime. Most parking restrictions will remain unchanged.

The benefits of this change to Runnymede residents and drivers
A new team of five full-time parking attendants are deployed to enforce the existing parking regulations. They regularly patrol all parking restricted areas of the Borough and issue parking charge notices to violators. This enforcement activity is expected to result in:

- less inconsiderate and dangerous parking.
- less congestion and improved traffic flow.
- designated and enforceable disabled parking.
- stricter enforcement of parking regulations.
- a knowledgeable and rapid response to parking issues.

How to avoid a parking ticket

Do
- check the signs and lines where you park.
- park within a permitted bay, on the street where parking is permitted or, better still, in one of the local car parks.
 
Don't

- assume you can park on a single or double yellow line because other people have.
- assume you can stop for a short time.
 
Who pays the parking fine
Under the new system, the person who owns the vehicle is responsible for all unpaid penalty charges whereas, under the old system, it was the driver who was responsible. This means, that if you lend you car to a friend, you will be responsible for any penalty charges.

Penalty charges
Penalty charges can now be issued at two levels, a higher charge of £70 which will be issued for contraventions considered to be more serious. This would include parking on yellow lines, on the markings outside of schools or in a disabled person's bay when not being a disabled badge holder. A lower charge of £50 will be issued for contraventions considered less serious and would include waiting for longer than permitted in a restricted waiting bay or for parking after the time paid for in a pay and display car park.

Discounted penalties
The penalty charges can be settled at a reduced rate of 50% of the original charge is settled within 14 days of issue. This is to encourage early settlement of penalty charges where the motorist accepts that they have committed the contravention.

Notice to owner
If the penalty charge is not settled within 28 days of the penalty charge notice being issued the registered owner of the vehicle will be served with a notice to owner. This document will outline the grounds under which the notice can be appealed.

Charge certificate
If the penalty charge has not been settled 28 days after the issue of the notice to owner a charge certificate will be issued which will increase the penalty.

If the penalty charge is not settled following the service of the charge certificate the matter will be registered as a debt, which will incur an additional charge. The Council will then take action to recover the outstanding charges using certificated bailiffs who are also able to add their recovery fees.

Further information
Further information on all aspects of civil parking enforcement including a full list of contraventions and associated penalty charges is available from www.patrol-uk.info

Appeals
The person responsible for a penalty will be given the chance to state their case, either in person or in writing, to an independent adjudicator who will consider the evidence and decide whether the fine must be paid. More information can be obtained from the parking appeals website (www.trafficpenaltytribunal.gov.uk) or from the Runnymede Borough Council Parking Manager.