Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) gives Local Authorities the power to enforce all parking restrictions within the county. These powers are issued by the Secretary of State under regulations within the Traffic Management Act 2004. This means parking enforcement is the responsibility of the Local Authority but the police remain responsible for illegal offences such as dangerous parking and obstruction. The main purpose of on street parking enforcement is to maintain road safety and prevent congestion.

Devon County Council will be overseeing Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) across Devon (excluding Plymouth and Torbay) and local district councils employ the Civil Parking Enforcement Officers and process any penalty charges.

Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs), wearing easily recognisable new-style uniforms (different to existing traffic wardens uniforms), will be employed by district/city/borough councils (Exeter City Council, East Devon District Council, Mid Devon District Council, West Devon Borough Council, North Devon Council, Torridge District, Teignbridge District and South Hams District Council) in partnership with Devon County Council.

Officers patrol streets with pay & display parking, double yellow lines and other parking restrictions as well as the off-street car parks. They will check whether cars are parked appropriately and issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to vehicles parked which are breaking traffic rules. However, Civil Enforcement Officers do not just issue PCNs – they are trained to be customer focused and can give directions, advise on where to park legally, and act as the “eyes and ears” for the Council reporting reporting faults to signs and lines and maintaining pay & display machines.