What is civil parking enforcement?
Civil parking enforcement (CPE) is the outcome of a process that decriminalises a number of on-street parking offences. This enables them to be enforced as a civil matter by a local authority.
This changes who undertakes the enforcement. It does not change the rules in place.
What will change when civil parking enforcement commences?
Civil enforcement changes who can undertake enforcement. It does not change the rules in place.
From August 2025, many on-street parking enforcement matters will be enforceable by Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC). Warning notices for on-street enforcement will be issued for a period of 4 weeks.
HDC will continue to enforce its off-street car parks. Car park enforcement (CPE) will continue during the transition and will not be subject to a warning notice period under CPE.
Under CPE, the police will still retain enforcement powers for:
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dangerous and obstructive parking
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vehicles parked on pedestrian crossings and zig zag lines
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moving traffic offences, for example speeding and passing through ‘no entry’ zones.
When will civil parking enforcement commence?
Communication received from the Department for Transport suggests civil enforcement will be able to commence during August 2025.
We anticipate that there will be adjustment period while we evaluate initial enforcement activities to understand what changes need to be made to locations we visit.
Once CPE commences, you are welcome to report a parking issue to us. This information will be logged and will be used to inform future enforcement.
Who do I contact?
Until the transition to civil parking enforcement takes effect, the enforcement of on-street parking matters remains a function of the police.
Under CPE, the police will still retain enforcement powers for:
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dangerous and obstructive parking
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vehicles parked on pedestrian crossings and zig zag lines
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moving traffic offences, for example speeding and passing through ‘no entry’ zones.
Cambridgeshire County Council will remain the highways authority. This means they will still be responsible for maintenance matters and requests for new on-street parking restrictions/scheme implementations.
Find out more information about improvement schemes, including the application process.
What about on-street parking permits?
On-street resident parking permits that were issued by Cambridgeshire County Council will remain valid until the expiry date shown.
We will shortly be writing to properties eligible for on-street permits to advise how to apply or renew your permit.
What can be enforced by HDC when civil parking enforcement commences?
Civil parking enforcement supports the enforcement of a number of parking offences both on and off street.
The Civil Parking Enforcement Policy and Operational Guidance includes a list of common parking contraventions used in Cambridgeshire on page 46.
Do I need to do anything before civil parking enforcement commences?
The Civil Parking Enforcement Policy and Operational Guidance is a Cambridgeshire County Council policy document established by them in their role as the highways authority. This policy sets out how road users should park in accordance with marked restrictions.
During on-site surveys, a high level of non-compliance with parking restrictions was observed. It is strongly advised that you consider if your current parking arrangements are in breach of any restrictions and seek to make alternate arrangements.
Find out more information on rule for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians and road safety