Frequently Asked Questions: Parking
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Parking FAQs
Q: Parking Enforcement - How do I know if I have parked illegally?
Q: Parking Enforcement - If I do get a Parking Ticket what do I do?
If you park illegally you will be given a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). The charge imposed by the notice is £50 - £70. If, however, you pay within 14 days you will get a 50% discount and only have to pay £25 - £35.
If you believe that the PCN was issued incorrectly you must contact Southend on Sea Borough Council as soon as possible in writing, stating the reasons you think this is the case. Your case will be looked at carefully and a reply given, usually within 14 days. Reasons such as "gone to get change" or "I was only five minutes" will not be acceptable since PCNs are strictly enforced.
The only legal grounds for claiming that the parking ticket was incorrectly issued are if:
- the contravention did not occur
- the penalty exceeded the relevant amount
- the traffic order was invalid
- you were not the owner/keeper of the vehicle at the time of the contravention
- the vehicle had been taken without your consent
- you are a hire firm, and have supplied the name of the person hiring the vehicle.
If payment is not received within 28 days, the owner of the vehicle will be sent a statutory 'Notice to Owner' which allows them another 28 days to pay the full £50 - £70 or alternatively make formal representation to Southend on Sea Borough Council on the 'Notice to Owner' form.
Should your representation be rejected by the Council and you wish to appeal, an independent adjudicator has been appointed to consider your appeal either personally or in writing.
If your representation is successful, the PCN will be cancelled and you will receive formal confirmation of this in writing. Otherwise, if the penalty charge is not paid, the fee will be increased in accordance with the penalty charge regulations by 50% - £75 - £105. If this is not paid it will be registered as a debt and may be enforced by bailiffs. All Bailiffs costs become the responsibility of the individual.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD PCNs BE IGNORED.
THEY WILL NOT GO AWAY
Q: Parking Enforcement - Who benefits from the changes?
Q: Vehicular Crossings - What is a vehicle crossing?
Q: Vehicular Crossings - What is the maximum size of a crossing that I can have constructed?
Q: Vehicular Crossings - How do I apply for planning approval?
Q: Vehicular Crossings - What information is required on an Application form?
Q: Vehicular Crossings - What is the approximate cost of a new crossing?
Q: Vehicular Crossings - Are any other costs involved?
Q: Vehicular Crossings - How can I pay?
Q: Vehicular Crossings - Can I pay for the quotation by instalments?
Q: Vehicular Crossings - What do I do if my premises is a Council property?
Q: Vehicular Crossings - What do I do if I am not the freehold owner of the property?
Q: Vehicular Crossings - What happens once I accept the quotation and forward the payment in full?
Q: Vehicular Crossings - What else must I do?
Q: Vehicular Crossings - How long will it take for the crossing to be provided?
Q: Vehicular Crossings - What if I do not comply with the Conditions?
Q: Vehicular Crossings - Is construction work completed in one day?
Q: Vehicular Crossings - What if I decide to cancel my application?