Wiltshire Police crackdown on parking in Swindon alleyways

The operation is being launched by Wiltshire Police's Neighbourhood Policing Team in partnership with Swindon Borough Council Parking Enforcement Officers after Swindon residents raised concerns about parking in alleyways.

On Friday, September 27, officers patrolled alleyways in central south Swindon and Broadgreen checking specifically for vehicles parked on double yellow lines or breaking resident parking restrictions.

First-time offenders were issued parking fines and given a police warning, but drivers who had already been warned found their vehicles quickly towed away to prevent further obstruction.

Police officers did not hesitate to tow vehicles away when necessary (Image: Wiltshire Police) PC Butwell, who led the operation, said: "The alleyways are used by residents for access to their houses and are also used by emergency services.

"Obstructing the alleyways is inconsiderate and potentially dangerous if emergency services cannot access them.”

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police added: "Any person in charge of a motor vehicle, who causes or permits it to stand on a road so as to cause any unnecessary obstruction, commits the offence.

"Should your vehicle be found parked illegally, a fixed penalty notice will likely be issued, or the vehicle may be towed away.

"If in doubt, the alleyways around Broadgreen and many other residential areas of Swindon form part of the highway and therefore constitute a road, and as such must be left clear of any obstruction."

The crackdown in central Swindon is set to be the first of many across the town to prevent illegal parking.