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Scam text messages: We have been made aware of scammers sending fake text messages to customers, advising they have an outstanding PCN. We never send out text messages like this. If in doubt, contact us on 01304 872459 or at parking@dover.gov.uk
We are responsible for enforcing parking regulations both on-street and off-street (car parks) throughout the district. On-street enforcement is carried out on behalf of Kent County Council.
Although parking offences have been decriminalised, they are still unlawful. Parking in breach of the regulations is still an illegal act.
Our civil enforcement officers (CEOs) monitor parking across the Dover district. They enforce parking regulations but do not have performance targets for issuing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs).
Abusing an officer while they are carrying out their duties may amount to a criminal offence, and all incidents will be reported to Kent Police.
Parking enforcement exists for several important reasons, including improving pedestrian safety—particularly around schools.
It is a parking contravention to double park and a PCN will be issued.
Double parking occurs when a vehicle is parked on the road and is more than 50cm away from the kerb, unless it is fully within a marked parking bay.
The penalty charge for double parking is £70, discounted by 50% if paid within 14 days.
It is a parking contravention to block or park across or next to a dropped kerb.
We will issue PCNs to vehicles parked partly or completely over a dropped kerb in use by the community, such as pedestrian crossing points or a cycle track. This also applies to Blue Badge holders.
This action will not be taken at residential properties as it is the job of Kent Police to enforce this as obstruction under their powers.
What is a dropped kerb and why is parking not permitted?
Dropped kerbs are where the kerb stone has been lowered to make a gentle ramp for pedestrians, pushchairs and wheelchairs. They can be across the pavement, grass verge or cycle track and many of them are indicated by tactile paving.
Dropped kerbs provide safe crossing points and vehicle access. Parking across them blocks access, causes obstruction and inconveniences other road users. Both the Traffic Management Act 2004 and the Highway Code prohibit parking or waiting where a kerb has been lowered
The penalty charge for this contravention is £70, discounted by 50% if paid within 14 days.
We cannot currently enforce pavement parking unless the vehicle is a heavy goods vehicle or the road has parking restrictions, such as yellow lines. If a vehicle is parked on the footpath and there are yellow lines on the road, we can issue a PCN as if the vehicle were parked on double yellow lines.
The law is under review and councils are expected to gain full enforcement powers soon. Until then, pavement parking without restrictions is considered an obstruction and remains a police matter.
Please park considerately - pavement parking creates difficulties for pedestrians, wheelchair users and parents with prams.
Report a parking problem
Our parking officers can only issue PCNs when they actually see a vehicle breaking the parking rules set out in the Traffic Management Act 2004. We cannot issue a PCN after the event.
We also do not have the power to remove vehicles from the highway. Any vehicle causing an obstruction should be reported to the police.
Our enforcement team is small and we cover a large district. We receive many requests for patrols each day, so we cannot attend every location on request. Patrols depend on our daily schedules and available staff.
If you would like to report problem parking, please use the form below.
