What is civil parking enforcement?
Civil parking enforcement (CPE) is the outcome of a process that decriminalises a number of on-street parking offences. This enables them to be enforced as a civil matter by a local authority.
This changes who undertakes the enforcement. It does not change the rules in place.
What will change when civil parking enforcement commences?
Civil enforcement changes who can undertake enforcement. It does not change the rules in place.
From August 2025, many on-street parking enforcement matters will be enforceable by Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC).
Under CPE, the police will still retain enforcement powers for:
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dangerous and obstructive parking
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vehicles parked on pedestrian crossings and zig zag lines
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moving traffic offences, for example speeding and passing through ‘no entry’ zones.
When will civil parking enforcement commence?
Civil parking enforcement (CPE) will commence at the start of August 2025. Warning notices for on-street enforcement will be issued for a period of 4 weeks.
We will continue to enforce our off-street car parks. Car park enforcement will continue during the transition and will not be subject to a warning notice period under CPE.
Who do I contact?
Huntingdonshire District Council will be undertaking enforcement for restrictions supported by a Traffic Regulation Order. For the most part, this will be marked on-street restrictions (for example yellow lines and bays).
View a map of local restrictions
Initially our Civil Enforcement Officers will be undertaking enforcement in line with pre-determined patrols. We anticipate that there will be a period of adjustment while we evaluate initial enforcement activities to understand what changes need to be made to locations we visit.
You are welcome to report a parking issue to us. This information will be logged and will be used to inform future enforcement.
You can report a parking enforcement issue by emailing Parking.Enforcement@huntingdonshire.gov.uk.
The police will still retain enforcement powers for:
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dangerous and obstructive parking
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vehicles parked on pedestrian crossings and zig zag lines
-
moving traffic offences, for example speeding and passing through ‘no entry’ zones.
Cambridgeshire County Council will remain the highways authority. This means they will still be responsible for maintenance matters and requests for new on-street parking restrictions/scheme implementations.
Find out more information about improvement schemes, including the application process.
What about on-street parking permits?
On-street resident parking permits that were issued by Cambridgeshire County Council will remain valid until the expiry date shown.
For more information about residents' parking schemes, please visit the Parking Permits page.
What can be enforced by HDC when civil parking enforcement commences?
Civil parking enforcement supports the enforcement of a number of parking offences, both on and off street.
The Civil Parking Enforcement Policy and Operational Guidance includes a list of common parking contraventions used in Cambridgeshire on page 46.
Do I need to do anything before civil parking enforcement commences?
The Civil Parking Enforcement Policy and Operational Guidance is a Cambridgeshire County Council policy document established by them in their role as the highways authority. This policy sets out how road users should park in accordance with marked restrictions.
View a map of local restrictions
During on-site surveys, a high level of non-compliance with parking restrictions was observed. It is strongly advised that you consider if your current parking arrangements are in breach of any restrictions and seek to make alternate arrangements.
Find out more information on rule for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians and road safety