Council say previously they had only been ticketing dangerously parked vehicles

Penalty charge notice: Picture: RAC

Ealing Council have said that from Monday, 18 May their parking enforcement officers will be issuing warning notices to all vehicles that are parked illegally, other than those of key workers who have registered their details.

These warning notices will be issued for a two-week period after which PCNs will be issued which will be enforced.

In recognition of the current lockdown situation, the council say that parking charge notices (PCNs) have only been issued when the parking has significantly impacted access for emergency vehicles or is dangerously parked.

Ealing Council is currently providing free parking on the street and car parks to almost 2,000 key workers who have registered their vehicles. This dispensation is to continue until further guidance is received from London Councils or the government.

The council say that this increase in enforcement is in line with London Councils guidance and also with neighbouring boroughs who are taking similar action.

Residents are advised to ensure they have up to date permits for controlled parking zones (CPZs) in the borough and are reminded that payment must be made when parking in pay and display bays.

Expired disabled badges and health emergency badges will be considered valid until the end of September 2020 to allow enough time to process renewals.

Councillor Mik Sabiers, cabinet member for environment and highways said, “With the recent change in government advice and the easing of lockdown measures, we need to ensure that parking is managed across the borough to allow for emergency vehicle access. In preparation for a return to work we want to discourage non-essential travel and drivers from out of the borough coming and parking in our streets.

“We also want to encourage everyone to continue with more greener and sustainable transport options, such as walking and cycling. It would be a shame for the much improved air quality we’ve all noticed over lockdown to disappear as soon as people jump into their cars.

“We recognised that for many lockdown still imposes a lot of restrictions so advise those who rely on a car for getting around or require further information, to contact Parking Services on 0208 825 6677 and select option 5 and then 3 during office hours 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday.”

Car parks that service parks and open spaces have also been reopened this weekend (16/17 May) although Gurnell Leisure Centre car park remains closed to allow the temporary mobile testing unit to use that site.

May 19, 2020