New rules clamp down on parking

New parking regulations have come into force which could see offending motorists get their parking tickets in the post.

The changes also get rid of "parking attendants" and rename them "civil enforcement officers", as well as giving them the power to impose larger fines for some offences and lower ones for others.

The enforcement officers are also encouraged to use wheelclamping as a last resort, only if the offender is persistent.

The new regulations also mean councils outside London can, for the first time, use CCTV cameras to spot illegal parking and enforce the rules.

The parking and traffic enforcement councils have set up a website called Patrol for anyone who needs information, to pay a parking fine, or to challenge their penalty.

A new adjudication service, the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, has been set up to hear appeals against parking tickets.

Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said: "Parking rules exist to help beat congestion and improve road safety. These regulations will help make parking enforcement fairer, clearer and more open."

The AA has issued a set of "10 Commandments" to go along with the new regulations, saying the new rules should not become an excuse to raise revenue.

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