Parking enforcement

Free parking comes to an end for all essential workers

Emergency measures, which allowed NHS staff, health and social care staff, NHS volunteers and other essential workers to park for free, comes to end next month in council operated car parks and on-street parking bays.

Following the publication of its roadmap for lifting COVID-19 restrictions, the Government has published its decision to withdraw the Government Parking Pass by 21 June 2021. However, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has decided to extend the scheme locally until 1 July 2021.

Cllr Phil Larratt, WNC’s cabinet member responsible for highways and transport, said: “The Parking Pass was intended for temporary use during the Covid-19 emergency response period which has proven to be longer than anticipated.

“With the full easing of lockdown restrictions anticipated for next month a further increase in mobility is expected to result in an increase in demand for parking at many locations.

“It is therefore no longer possible to allow unregulated free parking in all on and off-street parking.

“West Northamptonshire Council already operates a Health Worker Parking Permit and details of this are available on our website.” See road and transport information on the West Northamptonshire Council website.

The Government Parking Pass will therefore no longer be accepted from 1 July 2021 and if seen, a Penalty Charge Notice will be issued.

NHS staff continue to be eligible for free parking in hospital car parks and funding for this has been provided to NHS Trusts by government.

Which parking restrictions do the council enforce?

The county council currently has responsibility for ensuring the following parking regulations are observed:

Bus stops – no waiting at any time.
Disabled bays – a valid Disabled Blue Badge must be displayed with parking clocks (if time limited).
Double yellow lines – no waiting at any time.
Limited waiting bays – for permitted period stated.
Loading bays – for loading/unloading only during specified time.
Motorcycle bays – for motorcycles only.
Pay and display areas – a valid pay and display ticket must be purchased and visible.
Police bays – marked police or unmarked vehicles displaying the relevant police logbook.
Permit holder bays - a valid permit must be displayed.
Single yellow lines – no waiting during prescribed hours indicated on the sign or on entry signs to controlled parking zones.
Taxi bays – bays designated for taxis only.
Zig-zags - on restricted pedestrian crossings.
Vehicle Drive Aways (VDAs) - a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) can still be issued to a vehicle parked in contravention if the motorist has driven away before the Civil Enforcement Officer has affixed the notice to the vehicle. The PCN will be posted to the registered keeper.
Prevented from Issue - if a Civil Enforcement Officer is prevented from issuing a PCN to a vehicle because of aggressive behaviour, both verbally and physically, the PCN will be posted to the registered keeper.

If you are unsure of the parking regulations, you can find further information on the Highway Code website.

Working in partnership

The county council is working in partnership with NSL Services and Kettering Borough Council who provide a range of parking related services on behalf of the council.