Parking enforcement

Temporary parking enforcement relaxation - Coronavirus (27 March 2020)

Many people have raised concerns to us about parking enforcement during this difficult time, asking what can be done to support people who are identified as key workers, and those who are helping our elderly and vulnerable.

We are following the national guidance, have listened to feedback and agreed the following with immediate effect:

On-street pay and display parking has been suspended, and there are no time limits associated with these parking bays
In permit only areas, time restrictions have been removed for permit holders parking in time-limited parking bays. Valid permits must still be displayed
In permit only areas, permit holders can park on single yellow lines when displaying their valid permit
In other residential areas not covered by permit zones, parking on single yellow lines will be allowed
People identified as Key Workers will be issued with a notice to display on their dashboard to identify their role and ensure they’re not restricted in the support duties they are providing for people

Please note that:

In permit only areas, non-permit holders need to continue to obey time restrictions and parking on single yellow lines is not permitted. We are still processing parking permit applications during this uncertain period of time, so any residents without a permit can still apply for this
Parking attendants are following social distancing restrictions as they carry out their work

Dangerous parking and obstructions

With more people now at home across the county, there are more vehicles parked in residential areas. This will bring its challenges with people parking dangerously, and where this is the case, parking attendants will try to locate the owner of the vehicle and request they park safely in an alternative location.

To help keep our roads safe, and to ensure the flow of traffic for all, resource to observe and control parking across the county will be focussed on town centres and permit areas to ensure vehicles aren’t causing any obstruction. This includes areas where there are loading bays, dropped kerbs, pedestrian crossings and junctions.

As with normal service, parking attendants will give advice and information to people where necessary to help them find a safe place to park, and will only be issuing a Penalty Charge Notice when it is absolutely necessary.

Who is responsible for parking enforcement?

Northamptonshire County Council is responsible for parking enforcement in the following areas:

Northampton Borough
Borough of Wellingborough
Corby
South Northamptonshire
East Northamptonshire
Daventry District
Kettering Borough (Effective from 31/01/2020)

The County Councils Parking Enforcement Contractor (NSL) carry out enforcement in all areas except Kettering Borough, the enforcement for the Kettering area is carried out directly by Kettering Borough Council.

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.