How we manage on street parking

See also:

Enforcement guidance

How we enforce parking regulations is based on national policies and legislation. The following manuals are given to us by West Sussex County Council (WSCC) who is ultimately responsible as the Highways Authority, and they guide us in this process. The same guidance is adopted throughout West Sussex.

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Observation and grace periods

We have specific grace periods which civil enforcement officers (parking wardens) adhere to before issuing a penalty charge notice (ticket):

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Operation Plan

We enforce parking in the Adur and Worthing areas according to a specific plan which details how many officer hours are allowed during certain times of the day and the week. This guide explains this Operation Plan that we adhere to.

Our Operation Plan is being updated at the moment with the roll out of new controlled parking zones across Adur and Worthing, we will place our updated plan here when available.

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Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) in Adur and Worthing

Worthing Borough Council joined CPE on 10th September 2007, followed by Adur District Council on 5th March 2009. This has allowed the councils to take over the role of on-street parking enforcement from Sussex Police, on behalf of West Sussex County Council, and it has contracted the service to NSL Services Group (previously called NCP Services) to manage on a day-to-day basis. The scheme is managed by way of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

Previously, the Government received the majority of money generated through parking fines issued by the police. Under CPE, West Sussex County Council, in partnership with the councils, collects the penalties and uses them to pay for the costs of enforcement - using any surplus money to the benefit of transport, parking and other environmental improvements in the borough and district.

The objectives

  • To provide a single integrated parking service, combining on-street and off-street management and enforcement that will be accessible, at a local level within the districts and boroughs.
  • To provide the effective enforcement of parking controls.
  • To be self-financing with any surpluses arising from the enforcement regime used to improve parking facilities and approved transport and environmental improvement, within the District in which the surplus is accrued.

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Advantages of Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE)

CPE provides a greater focus on enforcement than the police were able to provide. This means clearer, safer roads and pavements.

The new arrangements deliver improvements for congestion, road safety, the economy and the environment.

Illegal parking on yellow lines is reduced.

All road users benefit:

  • Pedestrians
  • Cyclists
  • Buses and bus passengers
  • Freight vehicles
  • Emergency services
  • Motorists

Town centre on-street parking for short term use is made more available through higher turnover.

Parking fines are no longer paid to Central Government. Any surplus from parking fines, after administration costs, is reinvested into local transport and environmental improvements.

An increased uniformed presence contributes towards community safety and helps to reduce other vehicle crime, e.g. car tax evasion and unregistered vehicles.

Abuse of disabled bays and free limited waiting bays is reduced.

Car parking issues are more easily linked to council transportation policies, enabling both the District and County Councils to respond to changes in local parking requirements.

It provides integrated on-street and off-street parking management at local level.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Civil Parking Enforcement and Bailiffs

For commonly asked questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

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