Send police your bad parkers pics

OFFICERS IN MOVE TO CURB PRACTICE

A NEW scheme will mean that the public can help Derbyshire police to crack down on illegal parking.

The “Parking No” trial will cover the areas of Ashbourne and Mercia, so people in those areas will be able to send the force photos of illegally parked cars.

The evidence will be reviewed by an officer and where it’s clear there is an offence police will contact the person responsible to discuss further actions such as a fine, educational course or court summons.

A spokesman said: “As a force we will continue to attend incidents relating to parking subject to threat and risk. If the issue is causing an immediate risk of serious injury, we would ask you report this via 999 rather than proceeding with this process.”

Before taking action, the force has issued the following advice:

■ Do not challenge any driver or get involved in a confrontation.

■ Do not put yourself in danger whilst obtaining the images.

■ Do not commit an offence yourself whilst obtaining images.

■ A notice of intended prosecution letter may need to be sent to the registered keeper within 14 days of the incident, so it is vital that the above process is completed as soon as possible.

Offences likely to be considered for potential action include pavement blocking forcing pedestrians into road; parking at, on or too close to a junction, parking at a traffic light or pedestrian crossing; parking on school keep clear markings when children entering/ leaving school; parking on double white lines and unnecessary or wilful obstruction.

There are some parking issues not covered by the scheme and these include offences relating to double/single yellow lines as these are enforced by the local authority and police are not permitted to prosecute these.