Category: Covid-19

Temporary parking restriction to improve forest parking

Posted 07/05/21 @ 07:05am

A temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is being implemented by the North Essex Parking Partnership in High Beech in Epping Forest on 22 May to address on-street parking issues, deter non-essential travel to the Forest and support the Government’s current guidelines to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The new measures hope to improve visitor safety and prevent the obstruction of local roads by problematic parking, reinforce the byelaw of local verges and release police resources that were required to manage the situation.

The TRO, a Red Route marked with double red lines is a first for North Essex and will come into force on a number of roads around & within the Forest. Full details of the restriction can be viewed on the North Essex Parking Partnership’s website and on the county’s online TRO mapping system..

Red routes were first tried in London more than 10 years ago and have tougher, zero-tolerance approach to traffic violations. The red route is being introduced to stop drivers from parking dangerously on the road and verges, and prohibits stopping, loading or unloading, and boarding or alighting from a vehicle. This comes after a large number of drivers have been turned away after parking on the verges.

The new restriction will also support the City of London Corporation’s environmental and management plans for the area as well as resulting in reduced congestion; carbon dioxide emissions; noise and air pollution. Once the current non-essential travel restrictions are lifted, motorists visiting the area, will be able to make full use of the 52 free car parks throughout Epping Forest.

The temporary TRO period allows Essex County Council to monitor the scheme closely for 18 months. Before the end of this period, and if there is a need to amend the scheme, or make it permanent, a formal public consultation will take place, enabling members of the public to provide feedback on the proposals.

The restriction which will come in, in two weeks’ time, has been requested by a partnership of Essex County Council, Epping Forest District Council, Essex Police, and the City of London Corporation Epping Forest. North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) who manage on-street parking in the area, have actioned this temporary TRO on their behalf.

Councillor Robert Mitchell, Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways at Essex County Council and Chairman of the North Essex Parking Partnership, said: “We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for everyone, but it’s important that we do all we can to protect our local communities and the environment. This TRO will keep the roads clear and safe for all essential road users and discourage non-essential travel under the Government’s current guidelines.

“It’s testament to our flexible team that we’ve been able to respond so quickly to our partner’s requests during this challenging period and we are confident that this temporary restriction will alleviate the dangerous and unnecessary parking issues in the area.”

Cllr Nigel Bedford Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at Epping Forest District Council, said: “These steps to protect public safety are being supported by a range of partners including Epping Forest District Council, Essex County Council and Essex Police. I know these restrictions will not be popular with everyone but the vast majority of residents understand how careful we have to be at this critical time in the management of the Coronavirus Pandemic. With warmer weather and bank holidays providing the temptation to go out more, it is especially important that we do not risk the hard-won progress we have achieved in the fight against the virus.”

The signs and red lining for the route are being installed and are due to be completed next week.

Parking Patrols to Resume

Posted 07/05/20 @ 07:05pm

Patrols have been suspended since mid-March but from the 06 May we will be operating a ‘reactionary’ service focussing on requests for enforcement received from customers. This will be in line with the usual enforcement procedures and legislation.

We are also actively monitoring parking across all districts with officers in our fleet vehicles. This is so we can start to understand areas requiring closer attention and to assess how motorists are using the carriageway for parking during the lockdown.

From 12th May, our Civil Enforcement Officers will be operating mobile patrols paying attention to ‘higher level’ restrictions like Clearways, Red Routes and Double Yellow Lines – restrictions that help with the free-flow of traffic. Dropped kerb obstructions will also be looked at. In these instances, Penalty Charge Notices will be issued as normal, where a vehicle is deemed to be parked in contravention.

Social distancing and other methods will always be practiced by our Officers in line with Governmental guidance. Where necessary, Regulation-10 (Postal) PCNs may need to be issued for us to operate as safely as possible.

We will continue to monitor areas like Residential Permit Zones; however, we are not intending to enforce such areas at this time. Further communications to resident permit holders will be sent and published on this website before any patrols of permit zones re-commence. As things stand this is likely to be in late-May.

It is important we carry out patrols to ensure roads are safe and clear for all users – particularly emergency services, deliveries, waste and recycling collection vehicles and outside schools.

We would ask motorists to be mindful of this and continue to park considerately, legally and safely to ensure the roads remain accessible and safe. Thank you.

Some areas may continue to have relaxed restrictions, and these will be set out on the NEPP Website and latest news will be shown on our Coronavirus information page here – Covid-19

Coronavirus: NEPP calls on motorists to continue to park safely and considerately

Posted 23/03/20 @ 10:03am

Motorists are being encouraged to act responsibly and observe safety and critical-route parking restrictions, as wide-ranging efforts continue to help combat the spread of COVID-19.

The North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) issued the appeal in response to a series of unprecedented measures announced by the Government in recent days to help tackle the impact of the virus, which has seen normal life put on hold for the foreseeable future.

NEPP’s traffic officers are already focusing patrols on safety-critical routes and areas, while relaxing patrols in some areas to react to changing needs. The key priorities will be to manage the safe movement of traffic and ensuring safe access for emergency vehicles and other essential services such as waste and recycling lorries.

NEPP has responded to the crisis by helping to maximise parking spaces in one-hour single yellow line restrictions where commuters might usually park, by relaxing those parking restrictions to enable home-working. Motorists must obey usual rules to avoid causing an obstruction and must keep access clear, especially for emergency and waste collection vehicles.

NEPP will also be contacting all Resident Permit holders, via their online account in MiPermit or other contact details on record, regarding a temporary extension to their permits.

It is also looking at NHS permits and how more parking space can be made available. NEPP recognises the role that NHS staff are carrying out and will be honouring NHS permits where it is safe to park. More details will be provided on the NEPP website.

NEPP will continue to provide help for anyone who contacts its enquiry line but advises callers that they may experience a longer wait than usual as we move to restricted hours.

Cllr Robert Mitchell, Chairman of the North Essex Parking Partnership, said: “The current reaction to COVID-19 requires an unprecedented flexibility to parking that NEPP is proud to demonstrate. I can reassure the public that our officers are here to help, as always, but will continue to do everything they can to ensure the safe flow of traffic and responsible parking as this situation evolves.

“Most importantly, I would ask everyone to keep calm and be reasonable. There are no excuses for careless or inconsiderate parking, and we are asking all motorists to park responsibly and considerately. The number-one priority is to maintain access for essential services, for the benefit of all.

“If you are self-isolating and required to move your vehicle because it is parked illegally, then you should expect to do so if you are well enough.

“We are working together to enable parking for residents during commuter restrictions where parking patterns have temporarily changed.

“Where reports of increased verbal abuse have been received, this remains unacceptable and will be reported using evidence from body-worn cameras, as per usual. Please let our officers provide their best service.

“The bottom line is: Park up but, when you get out of your vehicle, consider carefully to see if you could have done it better or safer – and then move your vehicle if necessary!

NEPP will continue to review its operations in line with the latest Government advice and guidelines. Find out more by visiting the NEPP website or on Twitter. Additional information about parking can also be found at https://www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus/residents/parking-faqs/

Coronavirus: parking charges to be waived for critical health and social care workers

Posted 23/03/21 @ 06:03am

Following agreement with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) has suspended parking charges for key NHS workers.

The plan means no health or social care worker will have to pay parking fees in council car parks or at the roadside, when carrying out their frontline duties during the coronavirus crisis. Details and eligibility are being added all the time to the dedicated web pages at – Covid-19.

In order to limit the spread of the virus and ensure critical NHS staff can continue to carry out their frontline duties, NEPP will suspend parking charges for on-street parking and open car parks. These critical workers will be encouraged to display supporting evidence in their windscreen, such as photocopies of their work pass with sensitive information removed, or a letter of evidence from their employer.

The arrangements, which came into effect on Wednesday (25th March 2020), will continue until further notice.

NEPP also plans to waive any fines received by health and social care workers while carrying out their duties over recent days. These workers are encouraged and will be supported to appeal the fines, with supporting evidence from their employer.

And in a further step, the NEPP will now also issue MiPermit exemptions to ALL KEY WORKERS – not just those working in the NHS – so anyone classed as a critical worker employed anywhere in the NEPP area will be able to apply via MiPermit, provided that can produce evidence of their role.

Councillor Robert Mitchell, Chairman of the North Essex Parking Partnership, said: “Critical workers are doing vital and highly valued work, day and night, to support the most vulnerable in our society, save lives and keep our country running through this unprecedented crisis.

“The NEPP welcomes its role in helping key workers get to work – enabling them to park in on-street bays or council-owned car parks without having to worry about cost or time restrictions.

“But these extraordinary times are no excuse for careless or inconsiderate parking and we are asking all motorists who need to make essential journeys only since the PM’s announcement of more curbs on normal life, to park responsibly and considerately. The number-one priority for the NEPP must be to maintain access for essential services, for the benefit of all. Those unable to exercise consideration will still find a sticky envelope attached to their vehicle!”

For more information about applying for permits and how NEPP is responding to the coronavirus pandemic, please visit: Covid-19

SIDEBAR

NEPP Day of Action sends clear message t…