Fines handed to drivers during council and police action day

Fixed penalty notices were issued to 15 vehicles parked in the wrong place in the Ensbury Park, Winton and Charminster areas of Bournemouth. 

It follows concerns raised by frustrated residents and ward councillors telling the police of cars parking on pavements in recent weeks. 

During the day of action held on Friday, February 23), neighbourhood police officers worked with traffic wardens from BCP Council to ticket and warn drivers. 

One car, a grey Vauxhall Astra, was even towed away. 

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “If parking on a road with double yellow lines or on a pavement adjacent to double yellow lines, a fine can be issued up to £70 by civil enforcement officers.  

“If there is an obstruction on the pavement where pedestrians cannot pass safely, this is an offence and police can issue a ticket which will lead to a fine.  

“There were a number of vehicles parked on zig-zags, no loading bays and bus stops. One vehicle was stopped as PC Fraser noticed that the driver was on his phone. It was subsequently discovered the driver had no driving licence or insurance and so a Section 165 was issued and the vehicle was seized. 

Last year, Dorset’s police and crime commissioner and the leaders of both BCP and Dorset Council penned a letter to the transport secretary asking for a rise in the cost of fines.   

If approved, motorists could be charged up to £150 if fined, with a discount to £100 if paid early. 

Mr Sidwick said: “We’ve seen in past years that the current fines are not enough to deter the anti-social and illegal parking that increases congestion and, in some cases, poses a risk to people’s lives.” 

Meanwhile last summer over one hot September weekend, BCP Council dished out 764 tickets to drivers following concerns of bad parking. 

The police’s spokesman added: “Members of the public were happy to see officers out and interacting with them and another day of action and education is planned in the near future.”