Slough, Berkshire – Starting April, Slough Borough Council will implement stringent new powers to seize vehicles, targeting persistent parking offenders and vehicles causing road obstructions, in an effort to improve traffic flow and public safety.
Under the newly approved measures, vehicles with three or more outstanding parking tickets, as well as those blocking roads or creating hazards, will be towed. Owners must pay recovery fees to reclaim their vehicles, and unclaimed vehicles may be sold at auction. The scheme, approved by the council’s cabinet on December 16, aims to address parking enforcement challenges and improve access for emergency services.
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Key Details of the Scheme
- Seizure of Vehicles: Up to 150 vehicles per year are expected to be towed, including abandoned vehicles and non-motorised ones such as trailers and caravans.
- Target Offenses: Cars displaying fake or fraudulent disabled parking badges will also be subject to removal.
- Revenue and Costs: The initiative is projected to generate £165,000 annually, with £150,000 allocated to operational costs.
- Controlled Parking Zones: The measures complement the rollout of new controlled parking zones across the borough, designed to improve on-street parking for residents.
Paul Kelly, the council’s lead member for housing, highways, planning, and transport, emphasized the importance of the new powers in tackling persistent offenders. “In 2022-23 and 2023-24, over 11,000 parking fines were written off due to untraceable owners or foreign-registered vehicles. This policy will help us remove obstacles and recover unpaid fines more effectively.”
Improving Safety and Access
The scheme also addresses safety concerns, particularly for emergency vehicles struggling to access certain areas due to illegal parking. Pat Hayes, the council’s senior officer for roads, noted that similar policies are already in place across London and the South East. “This is good news for traffic flow, safety, and parking fine recovery,” he said.
Councillor Ejaz Ahmed, representing Slough Central ward, called for swift implementation, citing the “dire” parking conditions in parts of the borough. “This policy will be a significant step forward in managing the situation effectively,” he said.
Implementation Timeline
The new powers will come into effect in April 2024, following the appointment of a contractor to manage the scheme. The council hopes the initiative will serve as a deterrent to parking offenders, reduce hazards, and enhance the overall quality of life for Slough residents.
This decisive action reflects the council’s commitment to improving road safety and reclaiming control over parking violations across the borough.
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