A NEW regime of parking enforcement begins in North Ayrshire this week as powers to crack down on motorists who break the rules come into effect.

Enforcement officers working for North Ayrshire Council will begin monitoring parking across the area from Thursday, March 28 after powers were transferred from Police Scotland to the local authority.

But as part of a 'soft launch' for the new system, warning notices, rather than fines, will be issued until Sunday, April 14.

From April 15 onwards, enforcement officers will start to issue £100 penalty charge notices (PCNs) to vehicles parked in contravention of the rules - though this will be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

If you’re parked illegally – such as on double yellow lines, in a disabled bay without a blue badge, or on the pavement – you could receive a PCN.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy, said: “We want all drivers and pedestrians to go about their business safely and quickly.

“Illegal parking can a real blight, particularly in our town centres, and we hope the introduction of enforcement action can help encourage better and more responsible parking.

“Our advice would be always to park in a safe and legal manner and to take advantage of the many car parks we have across North Ayrshire.

"Even if it means walking a short distance further, it is not worth the risk of receiving a £100 fine.

“We hope to see lasting benefits for both residents and visitors by improving road safety and easing traffic congestion.”   

The council said examples of what would constitute illegal parking included:

  • Parking on a length of yellow line and loading activities were not observed.
  • Vehicle is parked at a length of yellow line with kerb markings when waiting is not allowed.
  • Purchased parking time had expired.
  • Parking without payment of the parking charge.
  • Parking in an electric vehicle charging place during restricted hours without charging.
  • Parking in a loading gap marked by a yellow line.
  • Parking in a suspended parking place.
  • The vehicle was re-parked in the same place within the no-return period.
  • The vehicle was parked in the wrong bay, such as an electric vehicle, motorcycle bay.
  • The vehicle was not parked correctly within the bay markings.
  • Parking in a loading bay, no loading observed.
  • Staying for longer than allowed in a parking place.
  • Vehicle was parked in a disabled parking place without displaying a valid disabled blue badge.
  • Parking in a parking place for emergency vehicles.
  • Parking in a bay for the use of funeral vehicles only.
  • Vehicle parked in a taxi rank.
  • Vehicle was parked in a bus stop.
  • Parking a vehicle on the pavement.
  • Parking a vehicle adjacent to dropped kerbs at a pedestrian crossing point.
  • Double parking a vehicle.
  • Parking a vehicle on the grass verge where a pavement is adjacent to it

For more information on the new parking enforcement changes, please visit www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/parking