Worst parking hotspots in Bristol revealed as council clamps down on ‘irresponsible’ motorists

Well over 150 fines have been handed out to motorists over illegal parking in Bristol over the past year as part of a joint operation run by Bristol City Council, Avon Somerset Police and the DVLA.

The 174 penalty charge notices includes 14 issued during a ‘day of action’ in Southmead last week. The area is one of five ‘hot spot’ locations highlighted for problem parking in the city, which are Stapleton Road in Easton, Broadmead, St Philip’s Industrial Estate, and Lodge Causeway in Fishponds.

Irresponsible parking is obstructive and dangerous, said Councillor Don Alexander, who is cabinet member of transport and joined the operation in Southmead last week. He revealed that the council receives between 10 to 15 reports of problem parking every week.

In response, the council sends out enforcements officers to patrol streets and car parks and make sure rules are being followed. They check on parking on double or single yellow lines, in disabled bays and loading and unloading restrictions.

Meanwhile, police deal with illegal parking, such as obstruction offences, including pavement parking where there are no lines or restrictions in place.

Councillor Alexander said: “Our city’s streets and pavements have competing demands for space and so I’d like to urge everyone to be responsible when parking. Remember, if you don’t follow the rules, you could be fined up to £70.”

The council is also aware of fast food delivery drivers waiting in restricted areas, Blue Badge fraud, and cars that are for sale that have been parked illegally, Councillor Alexander added.

People can report problem parking by using the council website here.