Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE)
In October 2025, West Dunbartonshire Council will take over the enforcement of parking rules from Police Scotland. This is called Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE).
Council Enforcement Officers will issue Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) to vehicles parked in restricted areas. These areas are clearly marked by yellow lines and signs. There are no changes to existing parking rules, but they will now be actively enforced. This change is designed to improve road safety and traffic flow throughout the area.
How the New Service Works
An Enforcement Team of eight staff will operate seven days a week.
The purpose of this change is to improve road safety, help traffic move more easily, and support local businesses. Money from PCNs will be used to cover the costs of running the service and to invest in new road safety and traffic projects. Enforcement Officers do not have targets for the number of PCNs they must issue.
Health and Safety of our Employees
The Council takes the protection of its Parking Enforcement Officers (PEO) very seriously. All PEOs have access to lone worker protection devices and personal cameras (bodycams) which will enable the recording of incidents, in the event of threats whilst they are carrying out their duties.
Parking Charge Notices (PCNs)
A PCN is a fine for breaking parking rules.
- A PCN costs £80. This is reduced to £40 if you pay within 14 days.
- The PCN will be £80 if you pay between 15 and 56 days after the date it was issued.
- If a PCN is not paid after 56 days, the charge will increase to £120.
- A PCN cannot be withdrawn once it has been issued. However, you can appeal a PCN if you have a good reason. Full details on how to pay or appeal will be on the PCN itself.
Please note: You will not get penalty points on your driving licence for a PCN.
Appeals and Liability (Not My Vehicle)
The owner is presumed to be the registered keeper unless proven otherwise. If payment or a successful challenge is not received, we will check with the DVLA to see who was registered as the keeper of the vehicle when the PCN was issued. That person will be liable for the fine.
If you believe the responsibility is with someone else, you must make a formal appeal (representation) and provide the following evidence:
- Vehicle Sold: Proof of sale (e.g., invoice or Bill of Sale) that clearly shows the full name and postal address of the new owner and the date the sale was made.
- Change of Address: A Council Tax bill or utility bill (dated within the last three months) showing your full name and new postal address.
- Vehicle Stolen: An occurrence (crime) reference number or insurance claim reference.
- Vehicle Hired: The signed and dated hire agreement showing the vehicle registration, the hirer's name and address, and a signed statement of liability for PCNs.
Remember: You must let us know as soon as possible. If you do not pay or make this known before the end of the 56 days period, the fine will increase by 50% to £120. If you are no longer the registered keeper, we also recommend that you contact DVLA as soon as possible to let them know.
Understanding Parking Rules
You are still not allowed to park wherever you like. The new enforcement system means you are more likely to get a PCN if you break the rules. The driver is always responsible for parking their vehicle safely and legally.
- Yellow lines: Single or double yellow lines show where you cannot park. The times when parking is restricted are shown on nearby signs. If there are no signs, double yellow lines mean "No Waiting at any Time."
- Loading/Unloading Bays: Restrictions can vary depending on location so drivers must check the signs before stopping or parking.
- Pavement parking: Officers may issue PCNs for pavement parking if they see it while carrying out their duties. You should be aware that yellow lines on the road also apply to the pavement next to them.
- Public car parks: Parking is still free in all council-run car parks. Enforcement officers will focus on problem areas where drivers are parking illegally.
For more advice on typical road lines and signs, you can visit the Highway Code on the GOV.UK website.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
Blue Badge Holders
Your Disabled/Blue Badge lets you park for free in the following locations:
- on streets with parking meters or pay-and-display machines for as long as you need to
- in disabled parking bays on streets for as long as you need to, unless a sign says there is a time limit
- on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours unless there’s a ‘no loading’ sign
Funerals and weddings
- Official funeral and wedding vehicles are exempt from parking restrictions, provided they are parked safely and do not cause an obstruction.
Emergency services and council vehicles
- Emergency vehicles are exempt when on duty. Council vehicles are also exempt when they are carrying out statutory duties (e.g. refuse collection, street cleaning).
Maintenance Works
- If you need to park a vehicle at a location to carry out planned works, you must formally notify the council at least three working days in advance. Details of the process and contact information are available on the Road Applications & Permits page
Police Scotland's Role
Police Scotland should still be contacted if a vehicle is parked dangerously and is a threat to public safety.
The police will still enforce all "moving" traffic offences and issues of obstruction. Our enforcement officers will focus on parking rules, including restrictions on zig-zag crossings and disabled parking bays.
To report dangerous or obstructive parking, please call Police Scotland on 101 or use their online reporting form.
Traffic Regulation Orders
Find a full list of Traffic Regulation Orders that shows all streets included in the new parking enforcement.