MOTORISTS across Gwent are being reminded that responsibility for parking enforcement across the region will transfer from Gwent Police to local authorities in 2019.

The five councils across Gwent (Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen) will formally take over Civil Parking Enforcement from the police over the coming months.

The responsibility of enforcing other traffic related legislation, particularly for more serious offences or where it is necessary in the interests of public safety, currently remains with Gwent Police.

The handover dates vary, with Caerphilly and Monmouthshire going live first on April 8, 2019, followed by Blaenau Gwent on June 30, 2019 and Newport and Torfaen councils on July 1, 2019.

Civil enforcement officers will undertake enforcement duties in towns and villages across the region and if a vehicle is found to be parked unlawfully, they will have the power to issue a Penalty Charge Notice.

Gwent is currently the only police force area to still carry out parking enforcement and the transfer of powers to councils will bring the region in line with the rest of Wales.

Cllr Roger Jeavons, Newport City Council cabinet member for Streetscene said: “The transfer of Civil Parking Enforcement powers will allow the council to provide a co-ordinated and consistent approach to enforcement of traffic regulations and will help improve road safety, traffic flow and reduce obstructions.

“We will play our part in working towards safe, vibrant communities for our residents and businesses, so we will be targeting our resources in key areas such as busy town centres, outside schools and other known hotspots, as well as residential areas.”

All five local authorities have reached an agreement with Rhondda Cynon Taff (RCT) council who will provide administrative and ‘back office’ support for the scheme. RCT have already been providing this service within their area for a number of years and have the relevant experienced staff and systems established.

Each local authority will be issuing further advice and information about the changes over the coming months.