Officers issue warning to drivers parking illegally in Broadgreen

Officers working to combat problems with parking in Broadgreen are issuing a warning that those who continue to illegally park and block alleyways will be towed without notice.

As part of a multi-agency project known as Clear Hold Build, Wiltshire Police have been working closely with Swindon Borough Council’s parking enforcement officers to help engage and educate drivers, and when necessary enforce the law.

Since January, we have been conducting planned operations in the area, with approximately 119 warning notices handed out to those who have been obstructing the alleyways.

Council parking enforcement officers meanwhile have given out more than 120 Penalty Charge Notices for a range of offences.

PCSO Chivers of Swindon Central South NPT said: “We know from information we receive from the Broadgreen community that illegal parking in alleyways causes significant disruption for local residents.

“A single vehicle in an alleyway can cause huge issues for the local community, as well as the emergency services who are no longer able to easily navigate the area, which could potentially put lives at risk.

“To be clear, alleyways around Broadgreen and many other residential areas of Swindon form part of the highway and therefore constitute a road. This means they must be left clear of any disruption.

“Since the start of our operations at the beginning of this year, we’ve handed out more than 100 warning notices. It appears from the data that this has had the desired effect with low levels of re-offending, with few vehicles needing to be towed.

“From next month, however, we will be moving into this next phase of operations, where vehicles caught in the alleyways will be towed without warning.

“Any person in charge of a motor vehicle who causes or permits it to obstruct a road, including an alleyway, commits the offences. Should your vehicle be found parked illegally, you will either receive a fine or your vehicle may be towed.”