On Friday, 24 March 2023 a team of officers from Ealing Council and the police went out on a joint night-time patrol to check the streets of Southall for illegally parked vehicles.

What happens on a patrol?

The operation took place from 9pm to 11pm in locations with the highest number of parking complaints, such as High Street, Avenue Road, Uxbridge Road and Beaconsfield Road.

Officers issued 73 penalty charge notices (PCNs) for various offences including parking on dropped kerb pram ramp designed to help blind people to cross safely.

Offenders are initially issued with a fine of £65. After 14 days the fine increases to £130. If still unpaid or the individual has not made a representation against the penalty charge, we will issue a charge certificate, increasing the fine by 50% and take steps to collect the payment. If the increased charge is not paid within 14 days from when the charge certificate is served, we will recover the charge through the courts.

So far this year we have issued 190 PCNs during late-night patrols in Southall.

Tackling illegal parking

Ealing Council will continue to take action against illegal parking.

Council leader, councillor Peter Mason comments: “There is a vibrant night-time economy in Southall, and while we welcome people to our town, we expect residents and visitors alike to treat the area with respect. Increased traffic can sometimes bring an increase in illegal car parking and anti-social behaviour.

“The council and the police will continue to take action against perpetrators of these breaches of the law. Illegal parking and anti-social behaviour are not acceptable at any time in Southall or any of our other seven towns.

“For most, receiving an £65 fine is exactly the wake-up call they need to think twice when parking.”

In December last year, the enforcement teams and police teamed up for patrols in Southall to tackle fly-tipping, parking offences and more.

You can report a parking problem on council’s website.