Southend council cracks down on motorists dodging fines with new ‘Drive Away’ penalty system

Motorists in Southend-on-Sea who try to escape parking fines by driving off before a ticket is issued will now face penalties through the post under a tough new enforcement measure.

From Monday, 3 March 2025, Southend-on-Sea City Council has introduced ‘Drive Away’ Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), also known as Regulation 10 PCNs. This means that if a driver moves their vehicle before a Civil Enforcement Officer can physically place a ticket on their car, the fine will still be issued – but by post.

How does the ‘Drive Away’ PCN system work?

Under this new approach, if a Civil Enforcement Officer spots a vehicle parked illegally, they will begin the process of issuing a PCN and take photographic evidence. Should the driver leave before the ticket can be affixed or handed over, the Civil Enforcement Officer will record the vehicle details, and the registered keeper will receive the PCN by post.

This measure is designed to close the loophole that allows some motorists to evade fines simply by driving away before the ticket is fully issued. By ensuring penalties are applied fairly and consistently, the council aims to deter illegal parking, improve road safety—especially near schools—reduce congestion, and maintain the smooth flow of traffic.

Council’s stance on road safety and enforcement

Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, stressed the importance of tackling unsafe parking, particularly around schools. He said:

“School safety is a top priority, and we’re tackling dangerous parking to keep clear routes for pedestrians and make school areas safer by introducing ‘Drive Away’ Penalty Charge Notices.

“This new initiative is a key step in stopping those who put children at risk with dangerous parking from avoiding fines. It will also help keep our streets accessible and safe. This is about creating a better environment for all residents and visitors to enjoy.”

What does this mean for motorists?

If a driver is caught parking illegally and drives away before receiving a ticket, they will no longer be able to avoid the fine. The process is straightforward:

• A Civil Enforcement Officer must observe a vehicle parked illegally and begin issuing a PCN.
• The officer will collect photographic evidence as part of the enforcement process.
• If the driver leaves before the PCN can be placed, the Civil Enforcement Officer will record this incident.
• The council will obtain vehicle keeper details from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
• The registered keeper of the vehicle will receive the PCN by post.

Even if someone else was driving the vehicle at the time of the offence, the registered keeper is legally responsible for either paying the fine or formally challenging it.

A step towards safer, fairer roads

The introduction of ‘Drive Away’ PCNs aligns with the council’s broader commitment to improving safety and accessibility across Southend-on-Sea. By ensuring penalties cannot be avoided through a quick getaway, the new measure reinforces the importance of responsible parking and compliance with local regulations.