Agenda item

To consider progress on the implementation of Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) across the Borough.

The Committee considered a report, set out at Agenda pages 25 to 31, which provided an update on the implementation of Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) across the Borough from October 2017.

Keith Baker, Executive Member for Highways and Transport attended the meeting to answer Member questions along with Clare Lawrence (Assistant Director, Place) and Geoff Hislop (Interim Parking Manager).

The report gave details of the background to the implementation of CPE and the way in which the Council’s contractor, NSL, had performed in the first five months of the contract. It reminded Members that CPE could address vehicles that did not respect signing and lining but could not address issues such as parking on verges or parking where no lines and signs were in place under a traffic regulation order. Thames valley Police retained enforcement responsibility for high speed roads, obstructions to the highway, clamping and removal of vehicles.

The report outlined the range of activities carried out by NSL. These included patrolling between 7.30am to 10pm, car park fault reporting and issuing various permits and dispensations. The contract also allowed for additional hours to be purchased by stakeholders such as Town and Parish Councils and schools. Over the first five months of operation NSL had issued over 4,000 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) across the Borough.

The report confirmed that a revised Parking Strategy for the Borough would be submitted to the Council’s Executive in May 2018. If agreed the strategy would be the subject of public consultation before final adoption.

In the ensuing discussions Members raised the following points:

If CPE delivered additional income would it be possible to employ extra patrol officers? It was confirmed that CPE aimed to break even. Feedback from other Councils indicated that, over time, the number of parking offences reduced which removed the opportunity for increased income.

On what basis were patrols around schools allocated? It was confirmed that analysis of the location of PCNs would provide data which would help to prioritise the future locations for patrols. With over 60 schools in the Borough and only six officers carrying out patrols, it was important to manage expectations relating to CPE. It was also noted that enforcement in one location may have the effect of displacing problem parking into neighbouring locations.

There were ongoing reports of problems with the Council’s parking ticket machines due to age and wear and tear. What was being done about this issue? Members received a demonstration of a new ticketing machine which would provide increased efficiency and flexibility and improved customer service which was a key part of the 21^st Century Council model. A range of machines and parking systems were being evaluated which would culminate in a Capital bid. In the meantime, the closure of the Paddocks car park would enable the relocation of ticketing machines to other car parks, potentially Crockhamwell Road in Woodley.

Would the new style ticketing machines generate information on available car park spaces for communication to drivers? It was confirmed that this issue was under consideration but would be a separate project from the introduction of new ticketing machines.

RESOLVED That:

1)     Keith Baker, Clare Lawrence and Geoff Hislop be thanked for attending the meeting;

2)     the update report on the implementation of CPE be noted;

3)     the introduction of improved car park ticketing machines be supported in principle, subject to a rigorous option appraisal and submission of an appropriate Capital bid;

4)     Members receive further information in due course on the operation of CPE and the prioritisation of CPE patrols across the Borough.