Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE)

Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) means that local authorities are responsible for enforcing on-street parking controls instead of the police. These powers were introduced by the Road Traffic Act 1991.

The key differences are:

• the majority of parking offences, including parking on yellow lines and in parking bays, are no longer criminal
• local authorities enforce parking controls and keep the income from parking tickets. This money can be used to improve local transport.
• a new type of parking ticket, called a Penalty Charge Notice, has been introduced.

Civil Parking Enforcement in East Sussex

CPE was introduced across the whole of Lewes district in September 2004. We have appointed NCP to manage parking on the street and in public car parks, including the Lewes Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ).

NCP parking attendants have replaced police parking wardens and district council car park patrols and there is now a much higher level of enforcement.

What are the benefits?

CPE gives local authorities greater control over the reduction of illegal or inconsiderate parking. This helps law-abiding drivers, and also benefits pedestrians, cyclists, the emergency services and bus passengers.

By using their own parking attendants, local authorities can tailor patrols to suit each area, varying them when necessary and responding to one-off events where additional attendants may be needed.

Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)

If you park in a restricted area without displaying a permit or a valid ticket, you could receive a parking ticket (called a Penalty Charge Notice or PCN). This means you may have to pay a penalty but it does not lead to a criminal record or points on your driving licence. PCNs are different to fixed penalty notices, which are issued by the police and traffic wardens for criminal offences. Find out what to do if you receive a PCN.

Where does the money go?

The law states that CPE must be self-financing. If there is any extra income after the costs of administration and enforcement are deducted then this must be used specifically for improving local transport. This includes improving parking, traffic management, better public transport and facilities for pedestrians or cyclists.