Don't be a selfish parker

This includes obstructing pavements, blocking peoples driveways, parking in designated bays they are not eligible to use, or taking up more than one space. 

We hope that putting an emphasis on the importance of motorists respecting others, thinking before they park and not behaving selfishly will also help us start a different conversation about the role of the parking sector.

2020's Carmageddon

In 2020 hoards of people flocked to beaches and beauty spots, leaving their cars on roadsides and thoughtlessly blocking access for emergency vehicles, wheelchair and mobility scooter users, those with pushchairs.

There was an outpouring of support across social media for the thousands of parking professionals working in key frontline roles, keeping our roads and streets clear and safe to use.  Members of the public worst affected by bad parking took to Twitter to vent their frustrations to call for more to be done:

• “Today was the worst I've ever seen it. Pavements were blocked both sides of the road.”
• "They parked anywhere they could. Lots of parking fines handed out, but they didn’t care”
• “People parking on roundabouts, yellow lines, blocking residents’ driveways & leaving tons of rubbish behind and verbally abusing & spitting at the people trying to clean up after them.”
• “The fines need to much higher. One resident told me one driver said they didn't care about the fine as they divided between four.”

Richard Walker, Parking Partnership Group Manager at North Essex Parking Partnership expressed concern the situation could worsen if stronger action is not taken:

"The real impact of so many people thinking antisocial behaviour and poor parking is acceptable is that it increases congestion, there’s additional pollution and rising frustration from people living in these areas.

“Simply put - lives are at risk, as journey times for emergency vehicles get longer, disabled and visibly impaired people, and parents with pushchairs are forced into the path of moving vehicles, and overcrowded destinations make it impossible for everyone to socially distance.”

Selfish parker campaign - #selfishparker

In response to the reaction from the public and our research in 2019 and 2022, the selfish parker campaign was launched. The campaign focus is on selfish, inconsiderate parking behaviour. It:

• Taps into the public frustration around it 
• Counters negative media narrative
• Highlights why effective parking management is important, and
• Addresses the issues our sector has to deal with everyday

Expansion of the campaign

The campaign also includes raising awareness of the importance of respecting disabled parking spaces so they are only used by valid Blue Badge holders.