Drivers in Berwick and a number of other towns in north-east England have been told they must adhere to new parking regulations that are due to come into effect or face being handed a fine.
New restrictions are scheduled to be implemented on April 1st, so while it will be free for people to park in council-owned car parks and on-street spaces, strict enforcement of time limits will be taking place, reports the Berwick Advertiser.
As well as Berwick, the rules are relevant to the towns of Wooler, Beadnell and Bamburgh, so motorists in these locations must be wary. After all, the last thing many will want is to return to their vehicle only to find they have been fined for staying too long.
A number of people in parking jobs in London especially have already been told to be on the lookout for drivers who are not obeying the rules. They will also be keeping a close eye on potential offences such as parking outside of the marked bays that have been reserved for cars.
The amount of time motorists in the region are allowed to stay on double and single yellow lines is being reduced to two minutes. This could also catch plenty of drivers out, so people must be aware that they will not be able to stay for longer than 120 seconds when pulling up at the side of the road before a traffic warden can issue a penalty notice.
Councillor John Stephenson recently addressed an audience of Berwick Town Council and said: "It's very important for people to realise that there will be strict enforcement of parking regulations. It's something I welcome but it could be expensive for those who choose to ignore it."
Northumberland County Council has come up with a total of six contravention codes designed to reduce the abuse of parking restrictions that currently take place. By clamping down even further, it is able to ensure its rules are met and those who fail to do so will contribute to its parking revenue.
Anyone who chooses to park in an area that was previously pay and display will now have to show a parking disc in their windscreen. These discs have been distributed within Berwick over the last two weeks and parking staff have been talking to locals about their impact.
Councillor Stephenson added: "We distributed 2,800 parking discs free of charge from the kiosk we had at the market on Saturday and the discs are also available in 26 shops and council buildings. It's very important that everyone takes the opportunity to get these discs over the next few days."
It is also worth noting that discs do not have to be displayed in long-stay car parks in the region. Charges will remain in place at Berwick railway station car park, although commuters can avoid this by buying an annual permit for £130.
With changes to the regulations due to be imposed and enforcement officers known to have been briefed to look for those who are offending, April could prove to be an interesting time in Berwick and a display of how effective those in parking jobs can be.
