Parking crackdown poised to start

A crackdown on dangerous parking is set for part of Surrey under new powers adopted by councils across the county.

Tandridge District Council is launching a crackdown on inconsiderate and dangerous parking from 16 November.

It follows Surrey County Council's move to adopt optional new powers under the Traffic Management Act, to be enforced by district and borough authorities.

Problems being tackled include double parking, blocking driveways and roads, and causing congestion.

'Keep traffic moving'

Tandridge Council said it would also be looking for vehicles parked more than 20ins (50cm) from the kerb, and next to a dropped kerb.

District councillor Tony Elias said badly-parked cars could obstruct emergency vehicles such as fire engines and make it difficult for people to cross roads - particularly those using wheelchairs and pushchairs.

When motorists block driveways, the council will only issue penalty charge notices if a resident complains.

Surrey County Council said the new powers became available under the Traffic Management Act and it adopted them because one of the concerns most frequently mentioned by residents was inconsiderate parking.

County councillor Ian Lake said: "Parking enforcement is an essential way of keeping traffic moving and making the roads safer, not a way of making money."