Parking amnesty announced*

An amnesty period has been announced by Somerset County Council to help drivers become used to new arrangements for parking on the county’s streets.

The Council takes on civil parking enforcement powers across Somerset from 11 June.

During the first week of the new system, Parking Officers will be using their printing machines to leave advice on vehicles parked incorrectly rather than issue them with a penalty charge notice.

Taunton Deane will be excluded from the amnesty. There was a similar amnesty there in 2001 when Taunton Deane Borough Council took on parking enforcement powers from the police. Those powers are now being transferred to the County Council on June 11.

From 18 June, after the end of the amnesty period, the charge for breaking parking restrictions would be £50 or £70 depending on the reason.

Patrick Flaherty, Group Director of Operations at Somerset County Council, said: “We have a week-long amnesty to allow everyone outside of Taunton Deane to get used to the new system which has worked with great success there. Countywide parking enforcement will bring a consistent approach across Somerset.

“The Council has taken on these parking responsibilities to keep our roads clear with the aim on helping reduce traffic congestion and improving town centre trade.

“Our message is clear, do not break parking rules. From the following Monday morning, the advice slips our officers will be handing out in the first week will be replaced with penalty notices for anyone who does not abide by the rules.”