Drivers to be fined for inconsiderate parking as council takes action

Residents will soon be able to report inconsiderate drivers as Swindon Borough Council implements new powers from October.

After asking residents to comment on the proposal earlier this year, the council will be issuing Penalty Charge Notices of up to £113 from 1 October under the Traffic Management Act, if drivers block dropped kerbs and driveways or double park.

The enforcement action is being introduced following concerns raised by residents over the effect this type of parking has on pedestrians with pushchairs, mobility scooters, those with visual impairments and households with driveways.

Residents can let the council’s parking team know of any instances of this type of parking by reporting the offence online and officers will then attend areas where complaints are raised.

The powers do not apply to vehicles parking on the pavement unless they are obstructing a dropped kerb or driveway.

Vehicles being used for loading and unloading, emergency services, waste collection, and roadworks are among those exempt from the restrictions. Residents blocking their own driveways are also exempt as complaints need to be raised by the resident who is blocked in.

Cllr Oliver Donachie, Cabinet Member for Economic Prosperity, said: “We want to help the local community by minimising instances of inconsiderate parking which we know cause great inconvenience and distress for many of our residents.

“In order to make this an efficient and effective implementation of the powers, residents need to report instances online and details of how to do this can be found on the Council’s website by searching ‘parking enforcement’.

“We cannot guarantee an immediate visit by our Parking Team but priority will be given to persistent offences or those which cause significant access issues either for pedestrians or other vehicles.”