GREATER enforcement is being put in place in Bude to ensure drivers are paying for parking.

Bude-Stratton Town Council has announced that it is introducing new measures in one of its car parks in an effort to clamp down on those avoiding parking charges.

On Saturday, August 1, the council introduced parking enforcement at the Parkhouse Centre car park at the heart of the town. The enforcement, which has been introduced for the first time, also includes the paid parking spaces on Ergue-Gaberic Way.

Despite parking charges having applied at the car park for some time, Bude-Stratton Town Council has explained that change to enforcement comes thanks to a new agreement with Cornwall Council.

A spokesperson from Bude-Stratton Town Council explained: “Parking charges have always applied. However, because the Parkhouse Centre car park is owned and managed by Bude-Stratton Town Council rather than Cornwall Council, it has not previously been subject to Civil Parking Enforcement. Bude-Stratton Town Council has now entered into a Service Level Agreement with Cornwall Council to carry out Civil Parking Enforcement on its behalf.”

However, the council has reassured residents that the introduction of parking enforcement is not a money-making exercise, with the town council not receiving funds from penalty charges incurred by those who have not paid for parking.

The spokesperson continued:”Bude-Stratton Town Council does not receive any income from Penalty Charge Notices.”

Despite this, the council has expressed that the funds it receives from the pay and display are being used to support local services.

“Income from parking charges is retained by Bude-Stratton Town Council and helps support local facilities and services,” the spokesperson added.

In light of the change, those using the car park are being urged check the parking signage and to make sure that they have complied with the parking conditions before leaving their vehicle.