Motorists who ignore parking rules in Oxfordshire are being warned they face fines as part of a renewed crackdown on irresponsible and potentially dangerous parking across the county.
Oxfordshire County Council has announced that its civil parking enforcement officers will be increasing patrols in areas where repeated breaches have been reported, including several market towns. The move follows concerns about growing levels of inconsiderate and unsafe parking, particularly in places where new controlled parking zones and restrictions have recently been introduced.
Drivers can expect a more visible presence from enforcement officers around schools during drop-off and pick-up times, where parking on zig-zags or double yellow lines poses a risk to children and families.
Officers will also be focusing on non-residents parking in residents’ bays, as well as vehicles obstructing the transport network by blocking loading bays, pedestrian crossings or bus stops.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said the focus on targeted enforcement aims to improve safety and keep the road network running smoothly for everyone.
“This focused crackdown will allow residents to see a greater presence by our officers in their neighbourhoods, enforcing the parking restrictions to make our streets safer and keep the transport network running for all users,” he said.
The council enforces a broad range of restrictions, including permit holder bays, on-street pay and display areas, limited waiting bays, double and single yellow lines, blue badge bays, taxi ranks, loading bays, bus lanes and stops, and dropped kerbs where there is a crossing point. Double parking — where a vehicle is too far from the kerb — is also covered under enforcement powers.
Residents can report problem parking directly to the county council through its website or by phoning the parking contractor Trellint’s control room on 0345 337 1138 (option 3).
Drivers caught breaking restrictions can be issued with a penalty charge notice of either £70 or £50, depending on the nature of the offence.
Meanwhile, the police remain responsible for dealing with dangerously parked vehicles where no formal restrictions apply, such as cars left on bends, junctions or hill brows, or those creating an obstruction on pavements. These incidents can be reported to Thames Valley Police by calling 101.
