This page will be kept up to date as we progress towards the implementation of civil parking enforcement (CPE). Please check back for further updates.
What is civil parking enforcement?
Civil parking enforcement (CPE) is the outcome of a process that decriminalises a number of on-street parking offences, enabling them to be enforced as a civil matter by a local authority.
This represents a significant change as currently these offences may only be enforced by the police.
The process for this change requires the highways authority (Cambridgeshire County Council) to make an application to the Department for Transport (DfT).
Following review, a Statutory Instrument will be prepared in which the Secretary of State for Transport will designate Huntingdonshire as both a civil enforcement area, and a special enforcement area.
When will civil parking enforcement commence?
The application to the Department for Transport has been made by Cambridgeshire County Council.
Communication received by County Council from the Department for Transport suggests that it is likely Civil Enforcement will be able to commence in August 2025.
Who do I contact about an on-street parking issue now?
Until the transition to civil parking enforcement takes effect, the enforcement of on-street parking matters remains a function of the police.
HDC is not able to support enforcement due to legislative restrictions.
If your query relates to other on-street matters such as maintenance, you will need to contact Cambridgeshire County Council.
What will change when civil parking enforcement commences?
Huntingdonshire District Council will undertake on-street parking enforcement for a number of offences and continue to enforce its off-street car parks.
The council will issue warning notices for on-street enforcement for a period of up to 4 weeks.
Off-street enforcement (car parks) will continue during the transition and not be subject to a warning notice period.
The police will still retain enforcement powers for:
-
dangerous and obstructive parking
-
vehicles parked on pedestrian crossings and zig zag lines
-
moving traffic offences, for example speeding and passing through ‘no entry’ zones.
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.
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 on improvement schemes including the process of application
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?
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