Unsafe HGV Parking – Coopers Lane

Following discussions between the Parish Council, the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC) parking team, and the enforcement team at East Herts Council, it has been confirmed that there is a legal basis to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to HGVs parked on the pavement along Coopers Lane.

We have been advised that Coopers Lane will be added to the enforcement officers’ handheld devices, hopefully from next week onwards.

Due to the road’s isolated location and its position at the edge of the enforcement zone, enforcement will be reactive only. This means officers will attend only when reports are made, rather than carrying out routine patrols.

For this reason, residents are asked to report every instance of a large truck (over 7.5 tonnes) or HGV parked on the pavement along Coopers Lane.

Phone numbers to use:

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm use 01279 502 039

Monday to Friday 5pm to 8pm and weekends 9am to 5pm use 01279 655 261 (may be voicemail)

When you report a vehicle in breach of parking restrictions

When you call the Parking Enforcement Dept, you will need to tell them the:

• vehicle registration number
• what parking restriction the vehicle is contravening
• location (street name and nearest landmark) and postcode

After you report a vehicle:

• a Civil Enforcement Officer will attend if available
• they cannot guarantee immediate attendance
• no updates are provided after reporting.

Please note:

• Enforcement action can only be taken where a vehicle has at least one wheel on the verge or footway.
• If all wheels are on the carriageway, officers cannot intervene, negotiate with drivers, or issue a PCN, and will leave without taking action.

It is hoped that this process will help reduce the number of vehicles parking at this location over time.