On 23 March 2020 the enforcement operation run by both the Council and the South East Essex Partnership (SEPP) was significantly relaxed in line with the Government guidance.

As the easing of the lockdown restrictions continue, the volumes of traffic are naturally increasing, and the reports of inconsiderate parking have increased. Transport is one of the most important factors in enabling a phased lifting of the current lockdown restrictions and a carefully phased reintroduction of previously relaxed traffic / parking management and enforcement is therefore necessary to help manage a safe and controlled recovery.

On Street Parking

A response team was set up by SEPP to only deal with parking issues which were considered dangerous and obstructive to the road network and this work was carried out in partnership with the police.

From 1 June 2020 the Civil Enforcement Officers will be resuming full patrols, initially paying attention to ‘higher level’ restrictions such as clearways, bus stops, single and double yellow lines and obstruction of a footpath / dropped kerb; restrictions that help with the free flow of traffic. Penalty Charge Notices may be issued for these types of contravention.

They will also be issuing warning notices to vehicles parked on the 1-hour single yellow line parking restrictions located in residential areas advising that a Penalty Charge Notice may be issued if the vehicle remains parked in the location.

Since SEPP’s decision to relax patrols in Residential Permit Zones, they have been actively monitoring the situation in line with the easing of the lockdown restrictions and will bring back patrols in resident permit zones on 6 July 2020.

It is important patrols are carried out to ensure roads are safe and clear for all users; particularly emergency services, deliveries, waste and recycling collection vehicles and outside schools.

Please be mindful when parking and continue to park considerately, legally and safely to ensure the roads remain accessible and safe.

Further information is available on Chelmsford City Council’s website who oversee on street parking.

Off Street Parking

The easing of the lockdown restrictions is enabling the re-opening of many businesses within the Borough, particularly in our high streets. The number of visitors to the Borough will therefore increase and to ensure our car parks are controlled and managed safely the Council will be operating full patrols and parking enforcement within the Council run car parks from 15 June 2020.

Further information about our car parks is available on the Council’s website.

Social distancing and other methods will always be practiced by both the Council’s and SEPP’s enforcement officers in line with Governmental guidance. Where necessary, Regulation-10 (Postal) PCNs may need to be issued for SEPP to operate as safely as possible.