Councils get New Powers on Parking

10.02.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 9th May 2009

Parking enforcement will be strengthened in and around Epsom

Local authorities with responsibility for parking enforcement will be able to issue penalty charges to drivers who double park or block dropped kerbs from next month.

The new powers have been used by London councils for several years and are being rolled out across England after consultation by the Department of Transport, which showed strong support for the measures. They are designed to help wheelchair users and people with powered mobility vehicles or prams and pushchairs. They will also prevent motorists blocking residents' drives and garages.

The DoT expects local authorities who want to use these powers to do so in a fair and transparent manner and publicise their plans to do so.

Lib Dem councillors will be asking both the county and borough council who operate parking enforcement between them, when and how the new powers will be put into effect.