New parking rules in England from Monday and drivers fear 'being fined for breathing'

New parking law changes are launching within days and could see drivers slapped with hefty fines. The new rules will come into effect across Sheffield from Monday, May 20, with £70 fines for drivers - reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.

Under the new rules, motorists could be issued a penalty charge if they park across dropped kerbs, in cycle lanes, or if they park too far from the kerb, it has been confirmed. The council said new enforcement rules had been introduced following a recent consultation.

Data gathered from the consultation found over half of participants had experienced vehicles blocking their driveways. Richard Eyre, director of Streetscene and regulation at Sheffield City Council, explained that the new enforcement rules aimed to keep pedestrians and cyclists “safe”.

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He said the rules allow the council to enforce against “obstructive parking” that could previously only be dealt with by the police. Mr Eyre added: “Double parking, for example, may obstruct other road users including emergency services vehicles while parking in front of dropped kerbs can put people with visual impairments, or with restricted mobility at risk as well as impacting drivers trying to enter or leave a premises.”

Replying to the news, one local said: "Good! Now police it and actually issue the tickets irrespective of the neighbourhood." But a second said: "They won’t be happy until all cars are out of the centre." A third said: "Anymore bloody rules about drivers, that's all you here these days.

"Soon you will get a fine for breathing." Kev said: "The problem has now got too big to police no matter who can dish the fines out, it’s a problem all over the city. I agree something has to be done though." Another said: "Good old Sheffield City Council out to fine as many car drivers as they can to get yet more funding for making all your city’s roads 1 way or dead end’s."

"I thought that had always been the law it's just not policed or am I wrong?" another asked.