Drivers in Caterham town centre could face £100 fines under plans to ban pavement parking
Council looks to tackle dangerous driving and parking with new public space protection order
New rules to stop “excessive horn use” and “causing obstruction” in a Surrey town centre could see people hit with a £100 fine.
Hundreds of residents have complained about dangerous and inconsiderate driving in Caterham with vehicles using pavements and public spaces. Tandridge District Council members will discuss the proposal at a Community Services Committee meeting on January 13.
The plans would introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which would make it illegal for drivers to park or drive on pavements in parts of Caterham town centre. “Excessive horn use, blocking footpaths and acting in a threatening or intimidating way will also be banned under the scheme.
The plans come after residents raised ongoing concerns about cars, mopeds, e-scooters and other vehicles mounting pavements on roads such as Croydon Road and Station Avenue. People said this makes it harder and sometimes unsafe to walk around town, especially for parents with buggies, older residents and people with disabilities.
Tandridge council asked the public for their views in a consultation from November 20 to December 31 last year. Almost 300 people responded. Most people said the problem happens regularly and across several streets. Nearly 8 in 10 people supported bringing in new rules to stop it.
More than half of respondents said pavement parking was a “very big problem”, while almost three-quarters said they strongly supported a PSPO to stop vehicles using pavements. Nearly 80 per cent said the restrictions would have a positive impact on their quality of life.
Council officers have reported the legal tests for introducing a PSPO have been met and that the order would help tackle behaviour that is having a “detrimental and persistent impact on the quality of life of those in the locality”
If the PSPO is approved, it would last for at least three years and would apply to specific areas of the town centre rather than individual drivers. Council officers would lead on enforcement, working alongside Surrey Police. Anyone who breaks the rules could face a £100 fine, reduced to £60 if paid early. Around £30,000 has been set aside to pay for signage, enforcement and other costs.