From 31st March 2008 parking enforcement changed throughout the District. This represented the biggest change in traffic management and parking enforcement since the introduction of decriminalised parking enforcement in 1991. St Albans City and District Council, acting on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council, the Highway Authority, is responsible for on and off street parking enforcement under the Traffic Management Act 2004.
Parking enforcement
The Traffic Management Act 2004, replaced the Road Traffic Act 1991 under which the District has enforced since October 2004. The Council through its contractor NCP Limited employs Civil Enforcement Officers (previously known as parking attendants)to enforce all yellow lines and other parking restrictions throughout the District This includes St Albans, Harpenden, London Colney, Wheathamsted and surrounding areas. Long with all off-street car parks managed by NCP on behalf of the District Council.
There are two main differences that affect motorists who park in contravention of the regulations under the Traffic Management Act:
Many Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) will reduce. There will be two different levels of PCN (known as differential charging). For example, a vehicle parked on a yellow line restriction will be issued a PCN at the higher rate of £70 (£35 if paid within 14 days) whilst a vehicle parked over time on an off street car park is not deemed to be as serious a contravention and would therefore be issued with a PCN at the lower rate of £50 (£25 if paid within 14 days).
The other difference between the 1991 Road Traffic Act and the Traffic Management Act 2004 is that currently if a motorist returns to their vehicle and drives away before the PCN is fixed to the vehicle or handed to the driver, this PCN is not deemed to be issued. However, under the Traffic Management Act, from 31st March 2008, a PCN may be issued through the post if the driver prevents it being served. For any additional information regarding the changes implemented due to Traffic Management Act, please contact the Parking Services Department on 01727 819 356 or parking@stalbans.gov.uk