Motorists are being warned of new parking rules set to launch within days to make roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
The new rules will come into effect across Sheffield from Monday, May 20, with drivers warned of harsh penalties for breaching the parking perimeters.
Under the new rules, motorists could be issued a penalty charge if they park across dropped kerbs, in cycle lanes, or if they park too far from the kerb.
HGVs will also not be allowed to park with wheels on the footway, unless loading, while non-licenced vehicles parked up and offering goods for sale may also be penalised.
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Drivers could be fined £70 for parking errors under the new rules
PADrivers who break the parking rules could face a fine of £70 which can be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.
Richard Eyre, director of Streetscene and regulation at Sheffield City Council, explained that the new enforcement rules aimed to keep pedestrians and cyclists “safe”.
He said the rules allow the council to enforce against “obstructive parking” that could previously only be dealt with by the police.
The rules follow a recent consultation which found that over half of those who replied had experienced vehicles blocking their driveways.
The consultation also flagged that over 70 per cent of pedestrians who responded said they had experienced vehicles blocking pedestrians, dropped kerbs and double parking.
Eyre added: “Double parking, for example, may obstruct other road users including emergency services vehicles while parking in front of dropped kerbs can put people with visual impairments, or with restricted mobility at risk as well as impacting drivers trying to enter or leave a premises.”
To avoid paying fines, drivers need to obtain a pay and display ticket or PaybyPhone session as soon as they park.
Many locations in the city also offer an option to pay by card at a machine while PaybyPhone allows drivers to pay via an app or online.
Drivers who fail to show a valid parking ticket could result in a fine of £50, reduced to £25 if paid within 14 days.
Sheffield Council is not the only local authority to crack down on instances of bad parking.
Last year, councils issued 46,662 parking fines on average, with four of the top five areas with the highest number of fines being based in London.
Fines were issued for parking in a restricted street during prescribed hours, while "lower" offences were given to drivers who returned to the car after the expiration of their ticket.
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The parking changes were announced following a period of consultation
GETTYIn the North of England, St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council in Liverpool handed out 5,004 parking tickets.
