Parking Guide

Parking Guide

This parking guide summarises:

  • what Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) is and why it is carried out,
  • our enforcement practices,
  • what happens if you get a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN),
  • permit types and how to apply, and
  • our review process and how changes can be requested.

What Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) is and why it is carried out

Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE)

CPE gives local authorities responsibility for enforcing parking controls instead of the police. CPE was introduced to Hastings Borough in May 1999, Lewes District in September 2004, Eastbourne Borough in October 2008 and Rother District in September 2020.

CPE is covered by the Traffic Management Act 2004 (TMA 2004) which sets out strict processes that must be followed when enforcing parking restrictions and dealing with Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs). The TMA 2004 requires all parking schemes to be self-financing and reinvest any surplus into local transport improvements once set up costs have been repaid.

Much of our processes are set by the legislation, such as the contraventions PCNs can and cannot be issued for and the challenge and appeals process and timelines. We must adhere to these requirements to ensure that our schemes are enforced and administered fairly and consistently.

Our parking schemes

The aims of our parking schemes are to improve road safety, ease congestion, make efficient and effective use of highway space and improve the local environment. The effective control of parking is a crucial element of the County Council’s wider strategy to improve transport and reduce damage to the environment as set out in our Local Transport Plan.

We appreciate that no parking scheme will ever completely satisfy the conflicting needs of different groups and aim to strike a balance between restricting the needs of some to protect the needs of others.

Communities change and develop, and we understand that this means our parking schemes need to do the same. Regular parking reviews are carried out in each of our civil parking enforcement areas to ensure that our schemes remain relevant and valuable to our communities. Introducing and changing parking restrictions is lengthy and costly and we have developed a review process to do this in the most effective way possible within the available budget. See our review process for more information.

Why do we need parking controls?

Parking controls are installed for a reason and it is important that these are respected. Abuse of parking facilities can have numerous consequences, some examples of these are:

  • delay and restrict access for emergency services
  • hinder or prevent deliveries and refuse collection for residents and businesses
  • hinder healthcare workers and carers visiting clients in need
  • prevent disabled people accessing vital services
  • prevent shoppers accessing local businesses
  • prevent residents parking close to their homes

The effects of these are numerous and can be significant. Environmental issues can be caused by failed refuse collections. Local businesses can be adversely affected if visitor parking is not available. Life can be endangered by delays to emergency services.

In an ideal world all motorists would adhere to the restrictions and there would be no need for parking enforcement, but we know this is not the case. Enforcement is carried out to prevent the actions of these motorists having a harmful effect on our communities in as consistent and fair a way as possible.


Enforcement practices

Enforcement of parking restrictions across our civil parking enforcement areas is carried out by our contractor, NSL. In addition to on-street parking, we manage enforcement of County Hall car park in Lewes, the car parks owned by Lewes District Council and North Street car park in Lewes owned by Sussex Police.

Parking contraventions and many of the concessions and enforcement practices are set out in the legislation but there are some areas where local authorities can set their own. The following list contains a summary of all of these as well as some information on matters often mistaken to be enforced by civil enforcement officers.

Abandoned vehicles

Abandoned vehicles are not covered in the Traffic Management Act 2004. Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) can issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if the vehicle is in contravention of a parking restriction but cannot take any action only on the basis of it being an abandoned vehicle.

Abandoned vehicles are dealt with by the police and the relevant district or borough council under Operation Crackdown. Abandoned vehicles should be reported to Operation Crackdown. The following information will be required to complete the report:

  • vehicle details – make, model, colour and registration number,
  • precise location – road name and specifics, such as outside or opposite a house number, and
  • a photo, if possible.

CEOs will report vehicles they believe to be abandoned. Abandoned vehicles parked in contravention will not be issued with multiple PCNs. Once a report has been made to Operation Crackdown no further PCNs will be issued.

Abusive, threatening and violent behaviour

All our staff and contractors should be able to do their jobs without having to face abusive, threatening or violent behaviour.

Threats, physical aggression, verbal and written abuse and the use of insulting and offensive language are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Unacceptable behaviour will be recorded and reported to the Police.

Read our unreasonable customer behaviour policy.

Bank holidays

Unless specifically stated on signs, all parking controls apply on bank holidays. Charges apply, except pay and display charges in Lewes, and enforcement is carried out as normal.

Parking charges do not apply on 25 December, 26 December and 1 January.

Bank visits

There are no exemptions for parking while conducting business at a bank or when using a cash machine.

Blue badges

The blue badge scheme is managed by the Department for Transport and is fully explained in The Blue Badge scheme: rights and responsibilities in England booklet This details where a blue badge can and cannot be used to park, a copy is sent to all badge holders with their blue badge.

In addition to the concessions set out in the blue badge scheme in our civil parking areas blue badge holders can park without time limit or payment in:

  • shared use bays,
  • pay and display bays, and
  • permit bays, in Lewes only.

Restrictions in car parks are different, blue badge holders should refer to the signs in the car park when parking.

Blue badges are issued by our Blue Badge team, more information about eligibility and the application process is on our website at https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/socialcare/bluebadge/application-process/

Blue badge misuse

Blue badge misuse is taken seriously and our blue badge team has a dedicated fraud officer investigating this. More information about blue badge misuse and fraud investigation is available on our website at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/socialcare/bluebadge/report-misuse-of-a-blue-badge/

Civil Enforcement Officers can request to inspect a blue badge and will retain it if they believe it is being misused. Retained badges are passed to our Blue Badge team for further investigation. They will decide if the badge is to be returned to the holder or if any further action is necessary.

Breakdowns

If the driver is present a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) will request that the vehicle is moved as quickly as possible and will allow a reasonable time for this. A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will be issued if the vehicle remains parked after the agreed time.

CEOs are instructed to ignore any notes claiming a vehicle has broken down and will issue a PCN.

Bus stops and bus stop clearways

Maintaining access to bus stops for buses reduces congestions, improves road safety and maintains access to public transport, particularly for users with limited mobility.

Bus stops are advisory only, although they may have double yellow lines through them which can be enforced.

Bus stop clearways are a formal parking restriction meaning no parking and can be enforced. A bus stop clearway will be marked on the carriageway and signed showing the restriction and the times it applies.

Bus lanes

A bus lane is a section of road that during specified hours of the day can only be used by buses, emergency vehicles, taxis and other specified vehicles.

The TMA 2004 allows for the enforcement of bus lanes through CCTV cameras. Cameras will capture any vehicle not permitted to be in bus lanes during the times of operation. The captures are then reviewed by a Notice Processing Officer to ensure that only those contravening the restriction are issued with a Penalty Charge Notice.

Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs)

CEOs are employed by NSL to carry out parking enforcement duties on our behalf. Although their main role is to ensure that parking controls are observed and enforced fairly, accurately and consistently, they also:

  • check and report faults with parking signs, road markings and pay and display machines,
  • provide advice and information to members of the public, and
  • report suspected abandoned vehicles.

CEOs will issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) to any vehicle that they find parked in contravention. They issue PCNs based on what they see; to ensure all motorists are treated equally they are not permitted to use discretion. PCNs may be issued on any day and at any time when restrictions are in force. Some restrictions, such as double yellow lines, remain in force 24 hours a day.

CEOs must work within the requirements of the TMA 2004 and the enforcement practices set out in this document. This ensures that every motorist is treated fairly and equally.

CEOs do not receive commission or incentives based on the amount of PCNs issued. Neither NSL or CEOs have targets relating to the number of PCNs that they issue.

Clamping and removals

A vehicle can be clamped and removed when it has five or more recorded contraventions for the vehicle and the Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are not paid, represented or appealed against within the statutory time limits; or their representations and appeals have been rejected but the PCNs remain unpaid. A persistent evader’s vehicle can be clamped and removed following the issue of a PCN when parked in contravention of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

Coaches

We recognise that coaches need to stop to drop off and pick up groups of people safely. Coaches should not stop in areas covered by no stopping restrictions, such as double yellow lines with a loading ban or pedestrian crossings zigzags.

More information on where coaches can park is available on our website.

Civil Enforcement Officers will attempt to communicate with a coach driver stopped in an inappropriate location and advise them of the best place to stop.

Challenges to Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)

There is a formal process to challenging a PCN set out in the Traffic Management Act 2004. Challenges must be made in writing and are considered by trained and experienced notice processing officers. Civil Enforcement Officers can advise on the process but cannot accept challenges from motorists or advise on the likely outcome of a challenge.

Complaints

The Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) challenge process is set by the legislation and ‘complaints’ about PCNs have to be dealt with as challenges through this process.

Complaints about officers, enforcement practices and other matters are dealt with through East Sussex County Council’s complaints process. In the first instance you should contact the team and explain your concerns. Contact details for the parking team can be found on our website. If you are unhappy with the response you receive from us complaints can be referred to our complaints team.

All complaints are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.

Contraventions

The Traffic Management Act 2004 sets out very specific parking contraventions that Civil Enforcement Officers can enforce. Those used in East Sussex are listed below along with a summary of the legal definition used on Penalty Charge Notices.

On-street parking contraventions:

01 - Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours

Parked on double yellow lines or a single yellow line during the hours of operation. Double yellow lines apply at all times. Single yellow lines apply on the days and times shown on nearby signs. Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for this contravention.

02 - Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force

Parked on double yellow lines or a single yellow lines during the hours of operation where there is a loading ban. A loading ban would be indicated by yellow blips marked on the kerb, see loading and unloading paragraph below for more information. Double yellow line restrictions apply at all times. Single yellow line restrictions apply on the days and times shown on nearby signs. No observation is required for this contravention.

05 - Parked after the expiry of paid-for time

Parked in a shared use or pay and display bay after the expiry time of a pay and display ticket or cashless parking session. A PCN will not be issued until ten minutes after the expiry of the paid for parking time. No observation is required for this contravention.

06 - No valid ticket

Parked in a pay and display bay without a valid pay and display ticket. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

11 - Parked without payment of the parking charge

Parked in a pay and display bay without a valid pay and display ticket or cashless parking session. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

12 - Parked without clearly displaying a valid pay and display ticket or permit

Parked in a permit, shared use or pay and display bay with a pay and display ticket or permit that is obscured so that it cannot be verified as valid by a CEO. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

16 - Parked in a permit space without displaying a valid permit

Parked in a permit bay without displaying a valid permit or having a valid virtual permit. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

19 - Displaying an invalid permit

Parked in a permit bay displaying an invalid permit, such as an expired permit or an incorrectly validated permit. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

21 - Parked in a suspended bay/space or part of bay/space

Parked in a parking bay that has been suspended. Suspended parking bays are marked by large, yellow signs showing the dates, times and the exact location of the suspension. No observation is required for this contravention.

22 - Re-parked in the same parking place within the no return period

Returning to a parking bay within the time specified that no return is allowed. Signs nearby will show if a no return period applies to a bay. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

23 - Parked in a parking place or area not designated for that class of vehicle

Parked in a bay reserved for a specific class of vehicle, such as a private vehicle in a good vehicle loading bay or a car in a motorcycle bay. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

24 - Not parked correctly within the markings of the bay or space

Parked outside of the bay marking, a PCN would be issued if one or more wheels are outside of the bay marking. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

25 - Parked in a loading place during restricted hours without loading

Parked in a loading bay without any evidence of loading or unloading being carried out during the times specified on signs nearby. See paragraph below on  loading and unloading for more information about what is permitted as loading and unloading. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes, 10 minutes for a commercial vehicle, before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

26 - Parked 50cm or more from the kerb

Parked more than 50cm or more from the edge of the road. No observation is required for this contravention.

27 - Dropped footway

Parked across a dropped kerb restricting access to the footway or private property. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

28 - Parked on a raised verge

Parked where the road has been raised to allow access for footway users such as pedestrian, parents with pushchairs and wheelchair users. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

30 - Parked longer than permitted

Staying parked in a time limited bay for longer than the maximum time allowed. Signs nearby will show the maximum stay allowed in a bay. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

40 - Parked in a designated disabled person's parking place without clearly displaying a valid disabled person’s badge

Parked in a disabled bay without displaying a valid blue badge. No observation is required for this contravention.

42 - Parked in a Police space

Vehicle that is not a police car parked in a police bay. No observation is required for this contravention.

45 - Parked on a taxi rank

Vehicle that is not a licensed taxi parked in a taxi rank. No observation is required for this contravention.

47 - Stopped on a restricted bus stop/stand

Vehicle that is not a bus stopped on a bus stop or bus stand. No observation is required for this contravention.

48 - Parked on a school keep clear

Parked on school keep clear zigzags during restricted times. No observation is required for this contravention and the PCN can be served by post if the vehicle is driven away.

55 - Commercial vehicle in overnight waiting ban

Commercial vehicle over specified weight parked during restricted hours. Signs at the entrance to the restricted area will indicate the weight and hours the ban applies. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

56 - Parked in contravention of commercial waiting

Commercial vehicle over specified weight parked during restricted hours. Signs at the entrance to the restricted area will indicate the weight and hours the ban applies. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

57 - Coach ban

Coach parked in a place where there is a coach ban. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

62 - Parked on a footway or verge

Parked on a footway or verge where a ban is in place. No observation is required for this contravention.

99 - Parked on a pedestrian crossing

Parked on a pedestrian crossing marked by zigzags. No observation is required for this contravention. 

Off-street parking contraventions:

73 - Parked without payment of the parking charge

Parked in a pay and display bay without a valid pay and display ticket or cashless parking session. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

80 - Parked longer than permitted

Staying parked in a time limited bay for longer than the maximum time allowed. Signs nearby will show the maximum stay allowed in a bay. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

81 - Parked in a restricted area in a car park.

Parked in an area of a car park that is restricted for parking. These areas will be identified by yellow hatching or double yellow lines. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

82 - Parked after the expiry of paid for time

Parked in a pay and display bay after the expiry time of a pay and display ticket or cashless parking session. A PCN will not be issued until 10 minutes after the expiry of the paid for parking time. No observation is required for this contravention.

83 - Parked in a car park without clearly displaying a valid pay and display ticket or voucher or parking clock

Parked in a pay and display bay without clearly displaying a valid pay and display ticket. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

85 - Parked without clearly displaying a valid permit where required

Parked in a permit bay without displaying a valid permit or having a valid virtual permit. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

86 - Not parked correctly within the markings of a bay or space

Parked outside of the bay markings, a PCN would be issued if one or more wheels are outside of the bay markings. CEOs will observe a vehicle for five minutes before issuing a PCN for this contravention.

87 - Parked in a designated disabled person’s parking place without displaying a valid disabled person’s badge in the prescribed manner

Parked in a disabled bay without displaying a valid blue badge. No observation is required for this contravention.

91 - Parked in a car park or area not designated for that class of vehicle.

Parked in a bay or area reserved for a specific class of vehicle, such as a private car in an area reserved for use by heavy goods vehicles.

Council Vehicles

Council vehicles are expected to be parked in accordance with the restrictions. There are some exemptions to this for essential work, such as highway maintenance and servicing street furniture, and dispensations are issued for this. Dispensations allow vehicles to stop in bays and on yellow lines while carrying out essential works and should be displayed in the vehicle.

Disabled bays

There are two types of disabled bays used in our controlled parking areas, advisory bays and formal bays.

Advisory bays are not enforceable but most drivers respect them and leave the bays for blue badge holders.

Formal bays will have a traffic regulation order meaning that they can be enforced by a civil enforcement officer. As well as the marking on the road indicating the bay formal bays will have a sign nearby showing the restriction.

As well as disabled bays in town centres and other public areas, blue badge holders can request a bay near their property if they regularly experience difficulties parking close to home. Requests are assessed against strict criteria and will only be agreed where private parking is not available or cannot easily be provided. Information on eligibility and how to apply is available on our website.

Disabled bays can be used by any blue badge holder and are not specific to any user. This applies to all disabled bays, even those installed in residential areas at the request of an individual resident.

Drink driving

If a Civil Enforcement Officer sees a motorist that they believe to be intoxicated they will report this to the police: they should/will not attempt to restrain the individual.

Drive aways

Drivers returning to a vehicle while a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) is in the process of issuing a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) are not required to wait for it to be served. CEOs will record if the vehicle is driven away and makes notes of any conversation had with driver. If a CEO has started issuing a PCN to a vehicle parked on a school keep clear, the PCN will continue to be issued and the notices delivered by post.

Drivers in vehicles

If the driver of a vehicle parked in contravention is present a Civil Enforcement Officer will ask that the vehicle is moved to a permitted parking space. A penalty charge notice will be issued if this request is not met.

Dropped kerbs

Kerbs are lowered at crossing points to help pedestrians particularly elderly, disabled and those with push chairs, to cross the road. Civil Enforcement Officers will issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) to any vehicle they see obstructing a dropped kerb at a pedestrian crossing.

Where a dropped kerb is in place to provide access to a driveway or garage, a PCN will only be issued at the request of the resident whose access is obstructed and only if the obstruction prevents access. Enforcement action can only be taken where access is completely restricted, a PCN cannot be issued if access is just made more difficult or awkward. Request for enforcement should be made to our enforcement team.

There is no requirement for signs or lines to be in place to indicate a dropped kerb.

Emergency services vehicles

Liveried emergency services vehicles will not be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) while they are engaged in operational activity. If a civil enforcement officer believes that the vehicle is being used for other activities such as attending meetings a PCN will be issued.

Non-liveried vehicles that are issued a PCN while involved in operational duties can be dealt with through the challenge process.

Events

At events such as Lewes Bonfire, Eastbourne Airbourne and others across the county it may be necessary to introduce temporary restrictions. It is the responsibility of the motorist to make sure that a vehicle is not parked in contravention before it is left unattended.

Expired permits

It is the motorist’s responsibility to ensure that permits are renewed on time or to make alternative parking arrangements. Emails or letters are sent to permit holders reminding them when renewal dates approach but these are not a requirement and overlooked or undelivered reminders do not negate any penalty charge notice issued as a result of an expired permit.

Glazing companies

Where glaziers' vehicles need to be parked adjacent to the property being worked on to deliver or collect glass they will be exempt from restrictions provided they are not causing an obstruction.

Once the glass has been safely delivered or collected the vehicle should be parked in a permitted parking place or a Penalty Charge Notice may be issued.

Grace periods

The legislation gives ten minutes grace to vehicles parked correctly in permitted parking places. This only applies to vehicles overstaying paid for time in a pay and display bay or the maximum stay in a free bay.

The contravention summaries indicate which contraventions this applies to.

Loading and unloading

Motorists with heavy or bulky goods to deliver or collect can stop in some places where parking is not normally permitted to load and unload.

Loading and unloading must be observed to be continuous. Where loading and unloading is permitted vehicles will be observed for a period of five minutes, 10 minutes for commercial vehicles, after which a Penalty Charge Notice will be issued if no activity is seen.

Vehicles must be moved as soon as the delivery or collection has taken place.

Loading and unloading is permitted:

  • for up to 20 minutes in any permit holder, shared use or pay and display bay without having to display a permit or pay for parking,
  • on yellow lines that do not have a loading ban and without causing an obstruction, and
  • in designated loading bays (some loading bays are reserved for goods vehicles only).

Loading and unloading is not permitted:

  • on zigzags at pedestrian crossings and outside schools,
  • where signs say ‘no stopping’ or ‘no waiting’ such as at bus stops and taxi ranks,
  • on yellow lines where there is a loading ban, and
  • in disabled bays (unless you are a blue badge holder).

Motorcycle Parking

Motorcycles may park free of charge and without time limit in any permit holder, shared use, pay and display bay or motorcycle bay. Restrictions in all other bay types apply, the motorcycle must be parked at an angle of 90° to the kerb.

Notes in vehicles

Civil Enforcement Officers are not permitted to exercise discretion in issuing a Penalty Charge Notice and are instructed to ignore any notes displayed in vehicles. Any mitigating circumstances for being parked in contravention will be considered by a notice processing officer on receiving a challenge.

Obscured and incorrectly validated permits and pay and display tickets

Civil Enforcement Officers will issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if a permit or pay and display ticket is obscured and the details cannot be read to verify it is valid.

Scratch card permits must be correctly validated as explained on the permit. Failure to do so may result in a PCN being issued.

Observation Period

For some contraventions an observation period is carried out by Civil Enforcement Officers prior to issuing a Penalty Charge Notice. This allows officers to determine if an exempt activity is being carried out, for example on yellow lines where the vehicle may be being loaded or unloaded.

The contravention summaries indicate which contraventions this applies to.

Parking outside bay markings

Vehicles should park fully within the bay markings. Civil Enforcement Officers will issue a Penalty Charge Notice to vehicles not parked correctly within the bay markings.

Pay and display machine faults

If a pay and display machine is found to be faulty it is the responsibility of the motorist to look nearby for an alternative machine in the same road or car park or report the fault as directed on the machine.

The required parking time can also be purchased online or by phone using the instructions on the pay and display machine.

Pay for parking

If using cash to pay for parking it is the responsibility of the motorist to make sure that you have enough change to buy your ticket when you park. Check that pay and display tickets remain securely and clearly and continuously displayed in the vehicle after the doors have been closed.

If paying online or by phone it is the responsibility of the motorist to make sure that you have entered the correct vehicle registration number and location code. The location code is clearly displayed on pay and display machines.

Pavement and verge parking

There is no national ban on parking on the pavement or verge.

Yellow lines apply from the centre of the carriageway to the highway boundary, including any pavement or verge. Civil Enforcement Officers will issue a Penalty Charge Notice to any vehicle seen parked on the pavement or verge where there are yellow lines.

In other areas a specific ban on parking on the pavement or verge must be in place for enforcement action to be taken. These bans are indicated by signs installed at each location.

Persistent evaders

A vehicle with five or more unpaid or unchallenged Penalty Charge Notices will be considered a persistent evader and their vehicle may be clamped and removed.

Picking up and dropping off passengers

See loading and unloading paragraph above. Vehicles should not be left unattended unless it is to assist a disabled person or child. 

Regulation 10 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)

A Regulation 10 PCN is sent in the post to the registered keeper of a vehicle rather than fixed to the vehicle.

We will obtain the vehicle owner’s details from Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in order to send out a Regulation 10 PCN if a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) was unable to serve the PCN due to the vehicle being driven away.

We currently only issue a PCN by post like this if a vehicle is parked on School Keep Clear markings and the CEO has started to issue the PCN but the vehicle is driven away before they have time to complete the issuing process.

Royal Mail and courier vehicles

Vehicles belonging to Royal Mail and courier companies engaged in the delivery of postal packets may load or unload where others are not permitted. Civil Enforcement Officers will issue a Penalty Charge Notice if they believe that such vehicles are not engaged in a legitimate activity or if they are causing an obstruction.

Scaffolding companies

Arrangements should be made in advance if scaffold vehicles need to be parked where restrictions apply to enable them to carry out their work. Where there are yellow lines a dispensation may be required or where there are parking bays a suspension may be required.

Skips

A licence is required to place a skip on the highway. These are issued by East Sussex Highways, for more information on these and how to apply see East Sussex Highways application forms.

In addition to this, a parking suspension will also need to be arranged if the skip is to placed in a parking bay within a controlled area. This can be arranged through our customer service team. 

Snow, leaves and frost

On occasions where lines indicating parking restrictions are obscured by snow or leaves Civil Enforcement Officers will be unable to issue a Penalty Charge Notice.

If a windscreen is covered by snow and frost the vehicle details will be recorded and a visual check will be done later.

Statutory Undertakers

There is an exemption for liveried utility company vehicles being used in direct connection with works or in connection with an emergency situation. If the vehicle is being used to deal with an emergency, it must be moved once the emergency has been dealt with. The vehicle is not exempt for normal routine activities, such as inspections or servicing.

Utility companies should arrange for a suspension in advance where possible.

Warning notices

Warning notices allow us to notify motorists that they have parked in contravention without issuing a Penalty Charge Notice. Civil Enforcement Officers may issue a warning notice for a limited number of minor contraventions on the first occasion only.

Zigzags

Vehicles must not stop on zigzags even to pick up or drop off passengers. This restriction applies at all times unless indicated.


What happens if you get a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)

The PCN challenge and appeals process is set out by legislation. An overview of this process can be found here and explained in full by PATROL on their website.

Paying a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)

Payment can be made by credit or debit card, cheque or cash, either online, by phone or post or in person. Details about how and where to make payment are available on the pay a PCN page of our website.

Paying a PCN closes the case and means that the opportunity to challenge it is lost. If you want to challenge a PCN it is important that you do not make payment.

Challenging a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)

Challenges must be made in writing, they can be made online or by email or post. Details about how to make a challenge are available on the challenge a PCN page of our website.

All challenges are investigated and fully considered by a trained notice processing officer. When making their decision officers will consider all the available information, provided by the motorist and collected by the issuing civil enforcement officer, in line with our cancellation guide. Our cancellation guide outlines the circumstances in which a PCN may and may not be cancelled and ensures that all challenges are considered fairly and consistently. To maintain the integrity of the scheme evidence of a situation may be required before a case can be cancelled.

When a challenge is received the case will be placed on hold while it is investigated. Once a decision has been made, we will write back advising the outcome, the reasons for our decision and explain the next steps and any action that needs to be taken.

Ignoring a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)

We would not advise that you ignore a PCN. If you do nothing the case will progress and will eventually be registered as a debt and passed to an enforcement agent (bailiff) for enforcement action.


Permits

By restricting the access of some users our permit schemes protect and provide space for others. Permits enable civil enforcement officers to identify which vehicles are allowed to park.

Permit types

A variety of permit types is available for different user groups.

  • Resident permits
  • Resident visitor permits
  • Business permits
  • Trader permits
  • Doctor permits
  • Healthcare worker and carer permits
  • Hotel guest permits
  • Voluntary sector permits
  • Dispensations and waivers

Although many of the same permit types are available across all areas, some are not; there are also some local differences in eligibility criteria and conditions of use. It is important when looking for permit information that you check the permit types in the specific area you are interested in.

Permit types, uses, eligibility criteria and charges are detailed on the permit information pages of our website.

Most permits are issued for use in just one of our civil parking enforcement areas (Lewes, Eastbourne, Hastings or Rother) and are not transferable.

Some permit types are now virtual, meaning that there will be nothing on display in the vehicle to identify it as a permit holder. Permits are linked to a vehicle's registration number and Civil Enforcement Officers can check if a vehicle has a permit using their handheld computer.

Applying for a permit

Most permit applications are now managed through our online permit system, NSL Apply. To apply use the links on the permit information pages of our website.


Reviews

To ensure we meet the ever changing needs of our local communities and provide a relevant and effective parking scheme we need to be able to change and modify our schemes. To maintain the legality of the schemes this must be done in accordance with the legislation and with consultation with all interested parties. To do this we have developed of system of parking reviews which allows us to consider all requests for changes or new controls within the constraints of available officer time and budget.

Reviews, considering requests for new parking controls as well as changes to the existing controls, are carried out in each of our civil parking enforcement areas every 16 to 18 months. The review process is set out in five stages, summarised below and explained in full on the review pages of our website.

  • Stage one - prioritisation

All requests are considered and assessed against our priority ranking system. Locations where recurring safety or access issues are identified will be progressed, as well as locations where it is deemed necessary to manage demand. Where there are requests for new permit schemes it must be demonstrated that there is demand from local residents.

  • Stage two – informal consultation

Proposals to address the concerns raised are drawn up and consulted on. Details are sent to all residential and business addresses in the affected areas, so they are aware and have the opportunity to contribute.

  • Stage three – formal consultation

Final proposals are prepared following careful consideration of the responses to the informal consultation. A further round of consultation is then carried out. As well as writing to residential and business addresses in the affected areas, these proposals are also advertised on lamp posts and in a local newspaper.

  • Stage four – Planning Committee

All consultation responses are considered, and attempts are made to resolve any objections. All unresolved objections are presented to the Planning Committee for a decision.

  • Stage five - implementation

All of the signs and lines required for the new restrictions are installed. Once all of this is complete the traffic regulation order can be sealed and enforcement can begin.