Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) - how they work

About CPZs

A Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) is an area where on-street parking is restricted during specified times. Introducing a CPZ is a way of dealing with parking problems and making our environment safer.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of CPZ:

• Prevents all-day commuter parking
• Reduces the number of abandoned vehicles
• Improves access for vehicles especially emergency service and refuse vehicles
• Improves highway safety and reduces inconsiderate and indiscriminate parking
• Generally improves parking conditions for the community
• Encourages the use of vehicles that produce low CO₂ emissions

Disadvantages  of CPZ:

• Displacement effect to nearby uncontrolled roads
• Having to pay for a parking permit
• Street clutter (signs and lines)
• Can reduce on-street parking space
• Does not guarantee a parking space to permit holders

CPZ design

Location of bays and yellow lines

A design is usually made once a scheme has been approved. We consult residents, listen to views and make any modifications that are required before the design is finalised and implemented.

Bays and lines:

• Under the standard CPZ design, all kerbside space is marked as a parking bay (where parking is considered to be safe and appropriate) or a yellow line (where parking is considered to be dangerous or obstructive), e.g. in front of driveways, at junctions, on bends and where roads narrow
• White lines are informatory and cannot be enforced
• Any existing white driveway markings will remain until faded away or removed following highway works
• An alternative design called a 'Permit parking area' is an option in quieter roads (for example, cul de sacs) where lines and signs are kept to a minimum
• We always try to maximise parking and to replicate existing patterns of parking wherever possible
• Losses in parking capacity are possible in certain locations (for example, in narrow roads) due to the need to maintain access but are often compensated by the rise in availability throughout the CPZ due to the fall in the numbers of vehicles parked
• We do not know for sure whether parking will be allowed across dropped kerbs or not until the design has been carried out. However, in most CPZs, single yellow lines are marked across dropped kerbs which operate at the same times as the CPZ because this is considered the most effective means of protecting access. This means that no vehicles are permitted to park there during the operational times but allows residents to park there when the CPZ is not in operation
• The vast majority of bays are usually designated for permit holders (Resident, business or visitor). However, visitor bays (pay and display/Pay By Phone) will also be provided close to local amenities (shops, businesses)

Operational days and hours

We ask residents for their views on which operational days/hours would be appropriate in the CPZ. The price of a resident or business permit depends on the duration of the operational days/hours. 

Days and hours schedule

Time	Example
2 or 4 hours CPZ	For example, Monday to Friday/Saturday 10am to Noon or Monday to Friday/Saturday 10am to 2pm
6.5 to 10 hours CPZ	For example, Monday to Friday/Saturday 10am to 4.30pm or Monday to Friday/Saturday 8.30am to 6.30pm
More than 10 hours CPZ	For example, Monday to Sunday 8.30am to 6.30pm or 8am to 10pm

Examples of operational days and hours:

• Longer controls (for example over 10 hours) work well in busy areas with a high demand for parking throughout the day
• Two or four hour CPZs are designed specifically to deter commuters and can work well though they allow others to park without restriction outside the operational hours. Such controls can have a limited effect in reducing parking in areas close to shops and amenities where visitors park for varying periods throughout the day
• Half day controls (6.5 to 10 hours) offer a compromise between the above two options