Civil Parking Enforcement

Don't fall for a text message parking fine scam

Babergh District Council is warning residents and members of the public not to respond to a text message stating that they have received a parking fine. The text message is fake and is part of a national scam. Find out more here.

Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) powers in Suffolk were transferred from the police to Suffolk County Council, on 6 April 2020. This was done with the aim of decreasing unlawful parking.

These powers have been passed to the district and borough authorities to enforce in their own areas. In Ipswich, this system has been in operation since 2005.

What is CPE?

CPE gives local authorities the power to enforce against illegally parked vehicles using existing traffic regulations. The aim is to promote better and safer parking. This process means that illegal parking becomes a civil offence.

It applies to both:

On-street parking (roads and highway)
Off-street parking (public car parks operated by the local authority)

CPE plays an important role in keeping our roads safe. It keeps roads clear for priority vehicles like ambulances, police cars, fire engines, as well as waste trucks and other traffic. It ensures that all traffic can move easily and avoid delays. In some cases, this could save someone's life.

Traffic Regulation Orders

On-street Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) are made by Suffolk County Council. You can these TROs on Suffolk County Council's interactive map.

Off-street In the car parks, Babergh District Council makes its own Traffic Regulation Order.

How will CPE be managed in Babergh?

In Babergh, Ipswich Borough Council and West Suffolk Council will manage CPE on our behalf.

To give a rough idea of boundaries, Hadleigh and the Shotley Peninsula are enforced by Ipswich Borough Council. Sudbury and Lavenham are enforced by West Suffolk Council.

Check which council enforces where you live.

I have received a Penalty Charge Notice (parking ticket)

Annual CPE reports

Each local authority is required to produce an annual report about the enforcement activities in their car parks.

Our parking strategy

If you want to find out more about the approach we take to parking, please read our parking strategy.