The new issue of Brigg Matters 'goes big' on an apparent intention by the police to get tough over vehicles found inside the town centre pedestrian area without lawful excuse. There's also a helpful list of exactly who, and what, is allowed to venture beyond the No Entry signs.
As regular readers will know, Brigg Blog has highlighted this issue many times and any action (at long last) to get to grips with the problem is very welcome.
It will take fines/penalty points to deter offenders.
What I'm unsure about is how the police's wish to tackle parking/unlawful entry into the pedestrian area fits in with the on-going process which will allow North Lincolnshire Council "as opposed to the police" to enforce the parking restrictions on the public highway. Doubtless that will work itself out in the next few months.
Meanwhile, we'll be keeping an eye on Wrawby Street and the Market Place to see whether any of the errant drivers are being ticked off by the police.
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Five points, Nigel, me lad,
1. NLC's Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) have appointed about 14 front-line Parking Enforcement Officers(CPO)and the CPE will assume, from Humberside Police (Why Humberside Police? Ans. They don't know the words!)the responsibility for both on-street and off-street (in the sense of NLC car-parks)parking enforcement.
The tentative date to start is 1 FEB 10.(My birthday on the 4th, Nige!...Norman Wisdom's as well)
On tranfer, parking offences, at least in NLC, will no longer be regarded as criminal offences, and become civil offences - but if you are naughty parkers, you'll get fined - £50 to £70 with various reductions for paying on time.
There is a list of naughty £50 offence fines and very naughty £70 fines...it's been in the ST and eleswhere.
The CPO will wear distinctive uniforms - clearly marked - so there shouldn't be any mistake of thinking that a CPO is Lidl's car park warden.
2. The Police (in Liverpool, we use to call them Scuffers, cos they'd scuff you round the ears!) will still retain powers regarding MOVING traffic offences and obstructing the highway.
Therefore, in certain situations, like crazy parking around school's zig-zags, CPO's and the local bobbies could work together.
3. My understanding (and folks can butt in if I'm askew with my facts) is that Brigg's pedestrainisation has a separate legal standing from local roads and car-parks and therefore, any enforcement is still rtained by the police.
Only AUTHORISED vehicles are allowed in the area. Authorised by definition are those vehicles (usually retailers' cars/vans) which have been registered and authorised by Brigg TC and for which an approriate official windscreen permitsticker is clearly displayed. It will also include commecial vehicles who need to enter the zone for legitimate loading/unloading purposes.
Blue Badge holder are NOT automatically entitled to enter the pedestrainisation - drivers must apply for an official Brigg TC permit.
Vehicles are NOT allowed to park in the zone - that rule applies to all. And vehicles should not obstruct the transit of emergency vehicles...that should go without saying, but there are idio....
4. Cycling is NOT allowed - it is a criminal moving traffic offence. But the police want to educate and encourage a voluntary agreement with the public before any need for fines. But BEWARE!
However, I have pointed out to the powers that be that, it seems, according to the sign near the Red Cross/Wallheads shops in Wrawby St, that cycling is only banned in the Market Place. The sign indicates that cyclist 'have to dismount in the Market Place' - no mention of Wrawby St!!
5. I read recently in the local rag that Pete Scott - Safer Roads for NLC and the Head of CPE will be holding on open public forum in Brigg in January to explain the new CPE scheme and etc.
I assume the invitation also extends to those living outside Brigg, otherwise they could get a big shock in Feb.
The above is not foolproof - but should make a very clear footprint for the proposed CPE scheme.
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