A Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) is an area where all on-street parking is controlled. This means that parking is only permitted in designated parking bays and that the remainder of the kerbside space is subject to yellow line restrictions.
Controlled parking zones are designed to free up parking spaces for local residents by deterring commuters, and other motorists who wish to leave their cars in busy urban areas.
There are Controlled Parking Zones in Grays and Stanford-le-Hope.
If you are a Resident or Business owner living/working within a Controlled Parking Zone area you may eligible for a Parking Permit which will allow you to park in these zones.
A vehicle is allowed to wait when delivering and collecting, loading and unloading goods or equipment. However there are conditions:
These provisions do not cover:
Where loading/unloading is specially prohibited, for example: on the approaches either side of a pedestrian crossing (identified by zigzag markings) or where there are yellow 'blip' markings on the kerb.
The improper use of hazard lights does not prevent a Penalty Charge Notice from being issued. Vehicles must be moved on instruction from a Police Officer, or a Civil Enforcement Officer (previously known as a Parking Attendant).
To ensure that traffic flows safely and freely and to ensure equality of parking opportunities uniformed Civil Enforcement Officers regularly undertake patrols within different areas of the Council to minimise the level of illegal parking.
They also monitor Permit abuse and 'meter feeding' - motorists returning to put more money into the Pay and Display machines where a fixed time limit exists.
Vehicles contravening the parking regulations will be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
The Police are responsible for more serious endorsable offences like parking on the approach to a pedestrian crossing, causing an obstruction, HGV restrictions and for all moving vehicle traffic offences.
Where a length of road is reserved for loading only, this will be indicated by a white bay marking and the words 'Loading Only' on the carriageway.
In addition a sign will indicate the time of operation.
Remember - Loading and unloading should be a continuous operation. It should be obvious to a Civil Enforcement Officer that the vehicle is engaged in legitimate loading and unloading and the goods are either too big or too heavy to be carried for any distance.
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When requested, the Council will place Blue Badge holder bays outside or close to the houses of disabled people where an agreed policy has been met. The Council's policy requires an initial assessment from the disabled persons' Occupational Therapist to determine whether the applicant meets their requirements. Applications approved by the Occupational Therapy teams will then be passed to the Engineering and Transportation Department.
Bays will normally be provided when the person resides in a dwelling that cannot facilitate off-street parking and where on-street parking problems occur on a regular basis. The bays will be made 'at any time', though it is accepted that there will only be limited Police enforcement outside the working day and that any Blue Badge holders can use it. Disabled people will also be able to use the benefits provided by the Blue Badge that allow them to park on yellow lines (when there are no loading restriction in operation) for up to three hours.
The Council will also provide on and off street parking bays for Blue Badge holders at central locations. As part of the development management process the Council requires developments to provide adequate designate car parking spaces for the disabled.
Further information relating to parking in Thurrock may be found on the following pages:
