Tough new parking rules to clear streets
Poor parking by drivers can kill, a leading councillor has claimed, as tough new parking rules come into effect across Cannock, Lichfield and South Staffordshire.
Poor parking by drivers can kill, a leading councillor has claimed, as tough new parking rules come into effect across Cannock, Lichfield and South Staffordshire.
From today parking wardens in all three areas as well as Tamworth, will begin fining motorists for parking on double yellow lines and other offences.
It is part of Staffordshire County Council's Clear Streets scheme which has seen local councils take on parking powers from Staffordshire Police. For the past two weeks, wardens have been issuing warning to motorists.
Those found parking illegally across the area have been warned in that time, but from today they will be issuing fines of up to £70.
As many as 9,000 fines are expected to be issued in Cannock Chase alone in the first year.
Councillor Carol Dean, county council cabinet member responsible for road safety, said the new rules would benefit local communities and had public support.
She said: "No-one likes to get a parking ticket but the majority of people do understand that we can't have a parking free-for-all. We have to have regulation to protect public safety. Yellow lines are there for a reason and poor parking can kill."
Staffordshire County Council's citizens' panel survey has shown strong public support for the operation which aims to tackle problem parkers who block streets, causing traffic dangers and risking lives by blocking the path of emergency services.
Of those who responded to a survey 65 per cent of the panel said it the Clear Streets project was a good idea. Fines issued will go toward the running costs of the Clear Streets operation with any surplus money being used to boost transport in the local areas.
Cabinet member for economic regeneration and sustainable communities John Wakefield said keeping traffic moving and improving the environment was good for business.
