Parking enforcement
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 then 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 highways)
- Off-street parking (public car parks operated by the local authority)
Read more about parking and 'no waiting' restrictions in Suffolk
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 find these TROs on Suffolk County Council's interactive map.
Off-street In the car parks, Mid Suffolk District Council makes its own Traffic Regulation Order.
How will CPE be managed in Mid Suffolk?
In Mid Suffolk, Ipswich Borough Council and West Suffolk Council will manage CPE on our behalf.
To give a rough idea of boundaries, Needham Market is enforced by Ipswich Borough Council. Stowmarket and Eye are enforced by West Suffolk Council.
Check which council enforces where you live.
I have received a Penalty Charge Notice (parking ticket)
- I have a Penalty Charge Notice issued by Ipswich Borough Council
- I have a Penalty Charge Notice issued by West Suffolk Council
- I want to know more about requesting new parking restrictions or changing current parking restrictions (on-street)
Annual CPE reports
Each local authority is required to produce an annual report about the enforcement activities in their car parks.
- Mid Suffolk 2022-2023 Annual CPE (off-street) report
- Mid Suffolk 2021-2022 Annual CPE (off-street) report
- Mid Suffolk 2020-2021 Annual CPE (off-street) report
Our parking strategy
If you want to find out more about the approach we take to parking, please read our information page on the joint parking strategy here.