TOWING powers to remove cars parked illegally across the conurbation will continue to be used this year, council chiefs have confirmed.

BCP Council launched a trial of the towaway measures last summer following a spate of issues across the three towns.

This move was made when the Unity Alliance administration had been in control of the local authority, with then transport cabinet member Cllr Andy Hadley saying there was "no choice but to action" in response to the problem that had arisen.

The council used the powers to move 13 vehicles last summer, although they were not available during the busy post-lockdown months of June and July.

Now, under the Conservative administration, BCP Council has confirmed to the Daily Echo that it plans to continue with the policy.

Councillor Mike Greene, portfolio holder for transport and sustainability, said: “BCP Council aims to undertake a fair and transparent approach to the immobilisation and removal of vehicles on its highways and car parks which are parked in contravention of on and off-street parking restrictions.

"We removed a total of thirteen vehicles during our extremely busy time over the summer. Knowing their vehicle might be towed away if parked illegally seemed to have a significant impact on many of the drivers who might have been happy to risk getting a ticket and we therefore saw a lot less obstructive parking once we began the vehicle removal work.

"The council intends to continue with this policy which is available to use at any time of year in any location across the BCP Council conurbation ensuring we can respond appropriately when required within the circumstances outlined above.”

The guidelines in place are designed to deal with vehicles are parking in contravention in the following circumstances:

  • Persistent evader vehicles found parked illegally
  • Parked in a disabled persons parking bay without displaying a disabled blue badge.
  • Parked using a fraudulent BCP Council permit, voucher, scratch card or pay and display parking ticket; inclusive of cashless parking sessions and virtual permits
  • Parked in a manner that causes serious obstruction to emergency services and other road users.

BCP Council said these guidelines comply with the provisions set out in the Traffic Management Act 2004, which governs the enforcement of parking contraventions.

Such breaches are dealt with by the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) and, in appropriate circumstances, the removal of the vehicles.