Arundel's parking 'amnesty' is over so you'll now face a hefty fine

If you park in Arundel illegally you will now get fined up to £70 - as the parking amnesty is over.

Parking fines came into force last month but there was a two week ‘amnesty’ in Arundel.

This, however, ended on July 19th.

Up until then drivers were issued with ‘zero charge penalty charges’ which were there to serve as a warning - but now you’ll get clobbered with a real fine.

Before this there was little enforcement in Arundel.

But now a team of council employed Civil Enforcement Officers are out in force to patrol the streets as they aim to “reduce congestion, improve safety and enforce current

parking restrictions”.

This new Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) means that instead of the Police, the local authority is responsible for enforcing on-street parking controls. Civil Parking Enforcement Officers have the power to issue Penalty Charge Notices of either £50 or £70, depending on the severity of the parking.

Both penalties are discounted by 50% if paid within 14 days.

Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment with responsibility for car parking, said: “This is all about the council enforcing parking regulations on the roads and in the council’s car parks throughout the district.

"This is not about the Council issuing as many Penalty Charge Notices as possible and it’s certainly not about making money. It's about letting people know where they can and can't park. It will also bring benefits in terms of improved parking for residents and businesses.

"The vast majority of motorists, who abide by parking controls, will not notice any change, except, possible, for less congestion on the streets."

Historically, income generated through Fixed Penalty Notices, issued by the Police and traffic wardens, went to central government.

Under CPE, income generated from on-street penalties is used to cover the cost of enforcement.

Any surplus money is also retained locally within West Sussex and, by law, must go towards local transport, parking, and other environmental-related improvements.

Councillor Mrs Gillian Brown, Leader of Arun District Council, added: "Illegal parking causes obstructions for motorists and pedestrians and can lead to accidents.

“I am sure these new arrangements will be welcomed by the vast majority of motorists who park legally and conscientiously.

"The Council's message is very simple, if you don't park illegally you won't face the charge. But if you do, then you should expect to have to pay."

More information about CPE is available at www.arun.gov.uk