Parking enforcement to help people with disabilities
26 August 2009
New powers were given to Harrogate Borough Council earlier this summer to tackle inconsiderate parking by drivers at dropped kerbs.
The legislation made under the Traffic Management Act 2004 gives the council's Civil Enforcement Officers (Parking) powers to issue Penalty Charge Notices to vehicles parked across dropped kerbs.
Councillor Don Mackenzie, Cabinet Member for Planning and Transport, has this week approved traffic management control procedures, in line with this new Government legislation, to bring in this enforcement action.
He said:
"It is inconsiderate to park at dropped kerbs which are provided for vehicle access, people with mobility difficulties or parents with prams and buggies.
Parking in front of tactile pavements is even more inconsiderate.
These are designed to help persons with impaired vision to cross the road, and they must be kept clear."
The Highway Code is clear in that drivers should not stop or park in such places.
This new legislation intended to enforce this, does not require traffic signs or road markings to indicate that restrictions are in place.
FURTHER INFORMATION: is available from Councillor Don Mackenzie, Cabinet Member for Planning and Transport on 01423 872211 or 07957 304109.
Further technical information is available from John Burton, Head of Highways and Transportation on 01423 556606.