Easing of lockdown means parking wardens return, and changes to bus pass use
PARKING wardens are to take to the streets in greater numbers from today as traffic levels and use of public transport continue to rise as the coronavirus lockdown eases.
The officials will return to issuing fines across the board, having in recent weeks handed tickets only to those whose poor parking posed a risk to road safety.
Over the past couple of months, they have been giving verbal warnings in place of tickets to drivers found to be overstaying their welcome in time-restricted parking bays.
The announcement was made by Leicestershire County Council.
It said its highways department was acting in accordance with the latest government guidance.
Concessionary travel rules for older and disabled people using public transport are also returning to pre-lockdown rules, it added.
In a statement, it said: “During the lockdown period, on-street parking enforcement was scaled down, although the council continued to respond to parking contraventions which impacted on highway safety.
“From Monday, June 8, the council plan to start moving towards a full enforcement programme.
“There will be specific local arrangements for district and borough off-street car parking in place across the seven districts and appropriate notices will be displayed at car parks to advise the public accordingly.”
Councillor Trevor Pendleton, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “As more of us, where we can, return to our pre-lockdown schedules, it is vital that we keep traffic moving and our roads safe and clear throughout the county so our essential workers and emergency services can continue to travel with ease and, more importantly, travel safely.
“We urge people to be considerate of other road users before parking their car.”
Also from today, concessionary travel arrangements on public transport will return to the pre-lockdown agreement – which is free travel for bus pass holders
between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Friday and all day Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
Throughout lockdown, concessionary passes could be used for free travel before 9.30am to enable holders to travel to shops which were running sessions specifically for them.
The council added: “The easing of lockdown means more people will be using public transport for work and school during the morning peak hours, so the change is considered necessary to ensure bus users will be better able to follow government social distancing guidelines.”
Councillor Pendleton said: “By reverting to the original times, this allows for social distancing guidelines to be more easily adhered to, while ensuring that the most vulnerable members of our communities are still able to get essential items.
“I would urge people travelling by bus to check if operators have any special rules and arrangements before travelling, to practice social distancing while on board and to wash their hands or use hand sanitiser when they leave public transport.”
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