A new taskforce appointed to enforce rules

A new taskforce responsible for tackling night time parking violations has begun working across Hounslow Borough. The Council say the team has been set up following complaints from residents about parking problems in the evening and at night.

The parking enforcement team will monitor all areas of the borough, looking out for parking violations including parking on double yellow lines.

Vehicle owners who ignore parking rules will be given a fine of up to £110.

However it does not appear to bring overnight parking by vans under its control. Residents in Chiswick have repeatedly complained to us about vans being left overnight for weeks in residential streets, particularly those without a CPZ in areas such as Grove Park. We asked the Council if the new rules would apply in this case and they said:

"With respect to vans parked overnight in residential areas, the restriction applies to lorries weighing five tonnes parked on Hounslow’s streets between 6.30pm and 8am. Therefore vehicles such as ford transits and Mercedes sprinters are not committing an offence." They clarified the new rules saying,

The enforcement consists of the following:

Yellow lines where a no waiting restriction is in force
Yellow lines where a no loading restriction is in force
Parking on the pavement
Parking on a bus stop/stand
Stopping on a crossing area marked by zig zags
Parking in a disabled space without a valid disabled badge
Parking blocking a driveway
Vehicles parked weighing 5 tonnes or over

The offences outlined above can be enforced irrespective of whether they are located within a CPZ. The team also enforce any CPZ that is operational after 19:00 hours.

ouncillor Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council said: “Some irresponsible drivers have started habitually parking illegally at night, thinking that they can get away with it.

“When a resident can’t move their car out from their drive or cross the road safely because a vehicle is blocking them it’s not on, and we’re doing something about it.

“Parking rules are there for a reason. Stick to them and you won’t be fined.”

This new initiative is being trialled for a year and will be reviewed thereafter.

Motorists are reminded that parking on double yellow lines is not permitted at any time.

Drivers should always check on-street signage to see if parking restrictions apply.

February 24, 2018