Published: June 12, 2012
Traffic wardens return to Burnham in battle against illegal parking

Traffic wardens returned to Burnham-On-Sea's streets on Monday (June 11th) when the county council took over responsibility for enforcing on-street car parking rules.

Somerset County Council has taken over the role from Avon and Somerset Police, and it has reintroduced traffic wardens who will be issuing parking fines of between £50 and £70.

A Somerset County Council spokesman told Burnham-On-Sea.com the penalty notices will vary depending on the offence. "Parking on double yellow lines, in a bus stop or within a restricted area outside a school will attract a £70 penalty. For payment within 14 days there is a 50 per cent reduction. Details of how to pay or appeal will be printed on the ticket."

Drivers will get some time to get used to the new patrols, since the council has said it will be issuing advice slips, rather than penalty charge notices, during the first week of the new regulations. The amnesty ends on Monday June 18th.

Patrick Flaherty, group director of operations at Somerset County Council, said: "We have a week-long amnesty to allow everyone to get used to the new system. Countywide parking enforcement will bring a consistent approach across Somerset."

"The council has taken on these parking responsibilities to keep our roads clear with the aim on helping reduce traffic congestion and improving town centre trade. From the morning of Monday June 18th the advice slips our officers will be handing out will be replaced with penalty notices for anyone who does not abide by the rules."

The police will still be able to take action if someone has parked dangerously or is causing an obstruction, where there are no other parking restrictions.