Parking Services

Frequently Asked Questions

• When did Decriminalised Parking Enforcement start?
• If parking is now decriminalised, does this mean I can park where I like?
• Are the Police still involved with parking issues?
• I am deaf. How can I pay?
• Where and when does enforcement take place?
• How Much does a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cost?
• Do parking attendants have targets to meet and issue PCNs to everyone just to achieve them?
• What are the benefits of local enforcement?
• Is this another "fund raising exercise"?
• Do these changes mean local businesses and shops suffer?
• Will vehicles be clamped or towed away?
• How are the new parking attendants different from the old traffic wardens?
• If I receive a PCN will I get penalty point on my driving licence?
• How do I avoid getting a PCN?
• I am a blue badge holder, how do the changes affect me?
• Can I park on a yellow line if there are no signs or plates indicating times?
• Can I get a permit to park on the yellow lines outside my house or business?
• Will I receive a PCN for parking on the pavement or verge?
• Can I get a permit to park on a yellow lines whilst carrying out building works etc?
• What should I do if I get a PCN?
• Who is responsible for paying the charge?
• What happens if I appeal a PCN?
• How do I make a complaint?

When did Decriminalised Parking Enforcement start?

Decriminalised Parking Enforcement commenced on 26th March 2007. From this date Police ceased to have the powers to enforce yellow lines and the other parking restrictions. All enforcement is carried out by and on behalf of the council.

If parking is now decriminalised, does this mean I can park where I like?

No. Although parking offences have been decriminalised, other powers have been given to local authorities to allow them to enforce parking restrictions. The increased level of enforcement under DPE means that you are much more likely to receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if you contravene the regulations both on street and in car parks.

Are the Police still involved with parking issues?

Yes the police will retain responsibility for endorsable parking enforcement issues (points on your licence) including parking on pelican and zebra crossings, obstruction of the highway and school keep-clears.

If someone has parked and they are not on a waiting restriction but are obstructing a footpath, highway or access to your property only the police can deal with this.

I am deaf. How can I pay?

We have a minicom service when you phone up which is a service provided for the hard of hearing. (0161 342 2283)

Where and when does enforcement take place?

Decriminalised parking enforcement will cover the whole of the Tameside borough.

How Much does a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cost?

A Penalty Charge Notice will be issued for failure to comply with parking contraventions of either £70.00 for a higher level contravention or £50.00 for all other contraventions. The Penalty Charge will be discounted by 50% if paid within 14days from the date the notice was served.

Do parking attendants have targets to meet and issue PCNs to everyone just to achieve them?

No, there will be no target for the number of PCNs that a parking attendant must issue. All parking attendants have undergone comprehensive training to achieve nationally recognised standards of competence.

What are the benefits of local enforcement?

Local enforcement will keep Tameside moving, reduce dangerous and inconvenient parking, support local businesses, support town centre needs, assist loading and unloading, improve conditions in resident parking areas, improve safety outside schools and assist blue badge holders.

Is this another "fund raising exercise"?

No. Income from enforcement comes only from drivers who have contravened parking regulations, Payments received help fund the cost of providing the enforcement and parking service.

Do these changes mean local businesses and shops suffer?

No. Areas of short-term parking such as outside local shops will receive better enforcement. As drivers will no longer be able to park for longer than permitted it will be easier to find a space when you need it. It should also be easier for businesses to load and unload.

Will vehicles be clamped or towed away?

At the present time it is not intended to introduce clamping or removals, but this is an option which could be considered in a future.

How are the new parking attendants different from the old traffic wardens?

Although parking attendants look similar to traffic wardens, they are employed by council and not the Police. Parking attendants issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) not parking tickets.

If I receive a PCN will I get penalty point on my driving licence?

No. Penalty points are received for certain driving offences dealt with by the police under criminal law.

How do I avoid getting a PCN?

If you don't contravene parking regulations then you won't be affected by Decriminalised Parking Enforcement. If you are unsure if your parking illegally then read all the lines and signs in the area to see what the parking regulations are.

I am a blue badge holder, how do the changes affect me?

The blue badge scheme continues to operate as before. If you park in accordance with the blue badge scheme you will not receive a PCN.

Can I park on a yellow line if there are no signs or plates indicating times?

No, Not all restrictions need a time plate. For example all double yellow lines mean "No waiting at any time" with or without a time plate. Don't take a chance, if in doubt park somewhere else.

Can I get a permit to park on the yellow lines outside my house or business?

No. There is no permit scheme that allows parking on yellow lines, however you may park for sufficient time as a necessary to load or unload goods.

Will I receive a PCN for parking on the pavement or verge?

You can receive a PCN if you park partly or wholly on a pavement or verge that is adjacent to yellow lines. If you park a HGV on a pavement or verge you may receive a PCN even if no yellow lines exist. Parking on footways obstructs the way for pedestrians and cause damage to the surface and equipment underneath.

Can I get a permit to park on a yellow lines whilst carrying out building works etc?

In certain circumstances a waiver can be issued for a specified date or time to allow for certain activities such as building works or removals etc.

What should I do if I get a PCN?

Details of how to pay and what to do next will be shown on the penalty charge notice (PCN). If you ignore the notice you will lose the option to pay at the reduced rate and we will send you a Notice to Owner and explain what you must do next.

Who is responsible for paying the charge?

Legally the owner/keeper of the vehicle is responsible and it is the owner/keeper who will be pursued in any further action.

What happens if I appeal a PCN?

You should not ignore the notice, if you do the charge may increase. Instructions on what to do will be shown on the PCN. You should write to the address on the PCN explaining your reasons for appeal. Further information and appeal forms are also available at all council cash/payments offices. If you appeal within 14 days you will have a further opportunity to pay at the reduced rate.

If you do not agree with the council's decision you may appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal Service. The Traffic Penalty Tribunal service is a totally independent appeal service and is free to motorists. All appeals are dealt with by experienced lawyers. Details of how to contact the adjudicators will be provided on your decision letter.

How do I make a complaint?

If you would like to make a complaint about anything then you can do this by using the details below or visiting any Customer Service Centre.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Parking Services Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne Lancs OL6 6DL View local map
0161 342 2005
0161 342 3911