Saltash parking crackdown: final warning for North Road drivers

Park behind the zig-zags on North Road and you might get away with it today. Carry on doing it and the next thing through your letterbox won’t be a warning letter, it could be a fine and three points on your licence.

What officers were doing in Saltash today

Saltash Police have been out with partner agencies on what they describe as another busy day of joint working. The morning was spent on door knocks and joint visits in St Mellion with Cornwall Housing, and the afternoon turned to a problem residents keep raising, poor parking on North Road.

Officers teamed up with Cornwall Council Enforcement to hand-deliver letters to homes on the road, after what the team says has been a steady stream of complaints from residents, councillors and Safer Saltash about vehicles parking behind the white zig-zag lines and yellow lines, and on the pavement.

Why North Road specifically

The zig-zags exist for a reason. Parking on or near them blocks sightlines at the crossing, so drivers coming the other way can’t see someone stepping out to cross, and pedestrians can’t properly see approaching traffic either. It is an offence under the Highway Code, and the letter delivered to residents is blunt about who it applies to.

“It is an offence under the Highway Code to park on the pavement or the road next to white zig-zag lines and this applies to everyone, including Blue Badge holders,” the letter reads. “Parking here is dangerous as it limits the view of the crossing, meaning on-coming cars cannot see people trying to cross.”

The letter goes to every household on the road, not just the ones suspected of parking badly. “This letter is to inform you that we will, with the council, be taking enforcement action and this letter is a final warning,” it continues. “All local residents are receiving this letter and it is not suggested that you or your household have breached the Highway Code. It is intended to ensure that everyone is aware that we will be conducting active patrols and enforcement action will be taken.”

What happens if you get caught

The warning stage is over once the letters have landed. From here, the consequences depend on who takes the action. Police enforcement for parking on the pavement next to zig-zag lines can mean a fine and points on your licence, up to £1,000 if police act on it. Council enforcement for parking on yellow lines or the pavement can mean a penalty charge notice instead.

Saltash Police say fining people is not what they want to be spending their time on. “We would much rather we spent our time dealing with other issues and don’t want to be fining people, adding points to their licence or increasing their insurance costs,” the team said. “This is why we have given the owner of the car in the picture and others a final warning. It is now up to you.”

What to do instead

There’s no ambiguity in the advice: park somewhere that keeps the zig-zags and the pavement clear, even for a two-minute stop. Officers say active patrols are now under way on North Road, so a warning letter today does not mean a quiet word next time.

“Please don’t be the driver who gets a fine or points, park legally.”

📷Credit: Saltash Police