Anti-socially parked HGVs in West Sussex to be fined regardless of waiting restrictions

Operators have been warned that HGVs parked over verges and footways in West Sussex will be issued with fines, regardless of whether there are waiting restrictions in place or not.

The county council said it had received an increase in reports of lorries parking on footways in recent months and it had now advised district and borough councils to issue penalty charge notices (PCNs) to vehicles flouting the rules.

HGVs parking on central reservations will also be targeted and the clampdown only affects vehicles over 7.5-tonnes.

Bob Lanzer, county council cabinet member for highways and transport, said the behaviour of some HGV drivers had caused problems for residents.

“It stops people from being able to use pavements and footways safely,” he said. “It causes damage to our verges.

“It makes it more dangerous for motorists and pedestrians to see when they are on the roads.”

He added: “HGVs will still be permitted to drop off and unload, but these measures will prevent long term parking on verges and pavements.”

In January Kent County Council is began working with Highways England to issue fixed penalty notices to lorries parked illegally or anti-socially.

So far, more than 500 PCNs have been issued.