Key workers including NHS and social care and emergency services staff will not have to pay for parking in our car parks and in on street pay and display areas.

This is to support the government’s advice to stay at home to save lives, for those who are self-isolating, those working from home and to enable key workers and volunteers to carry out their vital roles supporting our most vulnerable residents during these unprecedented times.

These critical workers will be encouraged to display supporting evidence in their windscreen, such as photocopies of their work pass with sensitive information removed, or a letter of evidence from their employer. This will enable them to park in on street parking bays and our car parks without having to worry about cost or time restrictions.

Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Culture for Torbay Council said: “Critical workers in the NHS and social care are doing vital and highly-valued work to support the most vulnerable in our society, save lives and keep our country running. They have been working day and night to as they step up to the unprecedented challenge we face as a nation. As they seek to minimise the spread of infection, we recognise that many will be travelling to and from their place of work by car and other vehicles.”

Changes to routine enforcement will enable officers to ensure key routes are clear of traffic so that emergency services, waste collection and deliveries of essential supplies, are not stopped due to vehicles parking inappropriately and care packages can get to the most vulnerable efficiently.

As from today, the enforcement of limited waiting bays will cease until further notice. This is to ensure as many residents as possible are able to park during these challenging times where everyone is required to stay at home.

Whilst it is appreciated there is limited parking space in some areas, it is extremely important that everyone parks in line with restrictions which are still in place. 

The only enforcement activity during this period will focus on incidents of obstructive or dangerous parking that could have a more significant impact on safety and access for emergency and essential services.

Below is a list of restrictions that will still need to be enforced.

• Double yellow lines with the priority around junctions - Patrols will concentrate enforcement activity to ensure key routes are clear of traffic.
• Loading Restrictions – a number of these areas are in place for road safety or to ensure deliveries are still maintained.
• Dropped Kerbs and zig zags - These are to ensure access across the roads is maintained for wheelchairs and pushchairs and pedestrian crossing and school entrances are kept clear.
• Bus stops - These need to be kept free for buses but can be used as passing places in residential areas for emergency vehicles.

Civil Enforcement officers will also be working their patrols from vehicles rather than walking in order to assist with social distancing.

If a key worker does need to appeal a recent Penalty Charge Notice they can do so on the Parking Appeals page.

Any Penalty Charge Notices that were received by health and social care workers while carrying out their duties in recent days will also be waived.

You can find out more on the GOV.UK website and the British Parking Association website.