MOTORISTS who park illegally in Newport are being warned that they will face prosecution when the city council takes over responsibility for enforcing parking regulations from Gwent Police on July 1.

Illegal parking has been a major source of concern in the city for some time with Gwent Police - which will remain responsible for enforcement until June 30 - no longer regarding it as a policing priority in the city centre.

The force is focusing on anti-social behaviour, issues around begging and homelessness, reducing violence associated with the night time economy, and tackling organised crime in the area, and has stated recently that "parking enforcement is carried out when demand and resources allow".

South Wales Argus:

Illegal parking in Godfrey Road, Newport

Parking on double yellow lines and right up to the junctions of roads is commonplace in many part of the city centre, but the council is determined to begin to tackle the issue when new Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) regulations kick in on July 1.

It has been checking traffic orders, and updating and replacing parking enforcement signs and single and double yellow lines.

And it has also been recruiting for a team of 12 civil enforcement officers who will patrol streets across the city from July 1 to ensure motorists are not breaking the rules.

South Wales Argus:

Illegal parking in Station Street, Newport

If a vehicle is found to be parked unlawfully the officers will have the power to issue a Penalty Charge Notice.

The council will run a campaign in coming weeks to remind motorists of the rules of the Highway Code in relation to parking, with a #ParkRight message.

“There has been a good response from the recruitment push to take on people to carry out duties under the CPE rules from July 1," said Councillor Roger Jeavons, cabinet member for Streetscene.

“We will be reminding our residents of parking legislation, which is outlined in the Highway Code, in the next few months with our #ParkRight campaign.”

Responsibility for enforcing other traffic-related laws however, particularly for more serious offences or where it is necessary in the interests of public safety, remains with Gwent Police.

“We will continue to work in partnership with our colleagues at Newport City Council to ensure the city is a safe place to work and live, however we will no longer be the lead agency regarding parking offences," said a Gwent Police spokesman.

“We welcome the fact that civil parking enforcement will be a priority for the local authority, with significant resource being involved to make a positive difference within communities.”