Think before you park!
On 1st October, Solihull Council took over responsibility for enforcing parking restrictions across the borough. A new team of specially trained Parking Attendants have replaced Traffic Wardens who were previously employed by the Police. No new restrictions were put in place on 1st October but enforcement of existing regulations will be more vigorous.
Keep Solihull Moving
Think before you park and help us to:
- Reduce dangerous and inconvenient parking
- Improve the way traffic moves around the borough
- Free up parking for Blue Badge Holders
- Improve access for the emergency services
- Improve safety around schools
- Improve parking for residents in resident only parking areas
Don't get a ticket
Parking attendants have powers to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to drivers who contravene parking restrictions. For example, parking on a double yellow line or parking in a disabled space if you're not a blue badge holder.
The charge in Solihull is £60. This will be reduced to £30 if it is paid within 14 days and a full, independent appeals process is in place for drivers if they feel that they have been issued a PCN unfairly.
Parking Attendants do not have targets for the amount of PCNs they issue and the income from PCNs will cover the costs of the service. Any surplus will go into projects to improve transport and road safety.
When parking, take notice of the signs and lines that let you know what parking restrictions are in force.
Nearly 200 Councils across the country have already gone through this process, known as Decriminalisation of Parking (DPE).
DPE Explained
Q: If parking is now decriminalised, does this mean I can park where I like?
A: No. Although parking offences have been decriminalised and will no longer be handled by the criminal courts, powers have been given to local authorities to allow them to enforce parking restrictions and to recover unpaid fines through the civil courts.
Q: Where and when will enforcement take place?
A: DPE covers most roads and car parks within the borough. Enforcement can be carried out on any day and at any time that a waiting or parking restriction is in force.
Q: How much will a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cost?
A: For all contraventions, the charge is £60. This will be reduced to £30 if the notice is paid within 14 days of issue. If you don't make a payment or respond to letters, the charge could increase to £90.
Q: Is this a 'fundraising' exercise?
A: No. Income for enforcement will only come from drivers who have contravened parking regulations. Payments received will be used to help fund the cost of providing the enforcement and parking service and future traffic safety and transport schemes.
Q: Will parking attendants have targets to meet and issue PCNs just to achieve them?
A: No. There are no targets for how many PCNs a parking attendant has to issue. All parking attendants will undergo comprehensive training to achieve nationally recognised standards of competence.
Q: How will this affect business and shops?
A: Areas of short term parking, like those outside shops, will receive better enforcement. As drivers will no longer be able to park for longer than permitted, it will be easier for customers to find a space when they need one. It should also be easier for businesses to load and unload.
Q: Will vehicles be clamped or towed away?
A: This is not an option we are considering at the moment. It is something we could look at in the future.How will DPE Affect the motorist?
Q: How do I avoid getting a PCN?
A: Think before you park. Look out for the lines, signs and notices that tell you what restrictions are in place. Motorists who don't contravene parking regulations will not be affected by DPE.
Q: Can I park on a single yellow line to pick up a newspaper?
A: No, unless it is outside the times the regulations are in force. These will be shown on the signs near the kerbside.
Q: Can I park on a yellow line if there are no signs indicating times?
A: No. Not all restrictions need a time plate. For example, all double yellow lines mean 'No Waiting at any time'. Don't take a chance. If in doubt, park somewhere else.
Q: I am a blue badge holder; how will the change affect me?
A: The blue badge scheme will continue to operate as before when parking on-street. If you park in accordance with the blue badge scheme you will not receive a PCN. Blue badge holders should refer to the handbooks issued with the badge.
Q: Can I get a permit to park on the yellow lines outside my house or business?
A: No. There is no permit scheme that allows parking on yellow lines. However, you may park for long enough to load and unload goods, as long as you comply with any designated loading conditions.
Q: Can I get a permit to park on yellow lines whilst carrying out building works?
A: In certain circumstances, providing the vehicle is required on site and there are no viable alternatives. You can get further details and an application form from Solihull Council on 0121 704 6000.
Q: Will I receive a PCN for parking on the pavement or verge?
A: 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 causes damage to the surface and equipment underneath.
Q: Can a PCN be issued to a vehicle parked across or obstructing a driveway?
A: No, unless yellow lines are in force. The Police will continue to deal with these matters of obstruction.
Q: If I receive a PCN will I get penalty points on my licence?
A: No. Penalty points are received for certain driving offences dealt with by the Police under criminal law. What to do if you get a PCN
Q: I've received a PCN; what should I do?
A: Don't ignore it. 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.
Q: How and where can I pay?
A: You can pay through the post by sending a cheque or postal order to the address shown on the PCN. Do not send cash. You can also pay in person at Solihull Connect in Library square. We can also accept payments electronically at https://www.solihull.gov.uk/epay/newpay.asp and automatic telephone payments on 0121 704 0869. Always include details of the PCN number and your address with any payment.
Q: Who is responsible for paying the charge?
A: Legally, the owner/ keeper of the vehicle is responsible and it will be the owner/ keeper who is pursued in any further action.
Q: What if I think the PCN has been issued unfairly?
A: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 dispute. Further information and appeal forms are also available at all Council connect centres. 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 National Parking Adjudication Service (NPAS). NPAS is a totally independent appeal service and is free to motorists. All NPAS appeals are dealt with by experienced lawyers. Details of how to contact NPAS will be provided on your decision letter.
Q: What happens if I lose my appeal to the Council and NPAS but refuse to pay?
A: If you lose your appeal to NPAS you must pay the PCN. If you refuse, the amount of the PCN will increase to £90 and the debt will be registered by the Council at the County Court. The Council will ask the Court for authorisation to recover the debt through the use of certificated bailiffs.
Enquiries and Complaints
Q: How do I get parking or waiting restrictions removed or amended?
A: Most restrictions have been put in for obvious and continuing traffic management, road-safety or access reasons. However occasionally these reasons are no longer valid. Please email the Parking Team at parking@solihull.gov.uk or contact Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000 or through your connect office and we will consider your request.
Q: How do I report damaged or missing waiting or parking restriction signs, posts or road markings?
A: You can e-mail us at parking@solihull.gov.uk, contact us by phone on 0121 704 8000 or speak to us at your local Connect office.