Civil parking enforcement officers will start issuing fines to motorists parking illegally in South Cambridgeshire from February 1.
Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) were given the green light from the government to allow Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) in the district shortly before Christmas.
The move means parking offences are now decriminalised - and CCC civil enforcement officers (CEOs) are empowered to issue a penalty charge notice, also known as a parking ticket, for on-street parking offences including parking on double or single yellow lines.
Prior to this, only the police could enforce such restrictions.
Warnings are being left on vehicles parked in areas with restrictions until the end of January, to give drivers a final opportunity to find an appropriate parking spot.
Councillor Alex Beckett, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s highways and transport committee, said: "From next week, we’ll be out on the streets in South Cambridgeshire issuing fines, so we’re asking people to take an extra second to think about where they park.
"Always check The Highway Code if you’re not sure what a sign or line means – don’t get caught out."
Motorists are advised to always check lines, signs, or other notices when parking.
CEOs will not be able to enforce all restrictions under CPE powers, with offences like dangerous parking and obstruction of the footway remaining under the jurisdiction of the police.
Councillor Bill Handley, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s lead cabinet member for communities, said: "There is just one week to go until drivers are more likely to be fined for parking where there are restrictions.
"We’ve ensured that drivers have had plenty of warning about the introduction of CPE – and now the scheme is live in just a matter of days, it is even more important to fully consider the lines and sign around where you may be parking."
CPE patrols are set to focus on areas with high parking demand, like railway stations, and will be adjusted in accordance with available resources, possibly covering evenings and weekends.
More details can be found on the county council's website.
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