Agenda item

11.1

The report seeks approval of an updated Civil Parking and Bus Lane Enforcement Policy.

The policy provides updated information and guidance on:

·       national regulations and government guidance;

·       how enforcement is carried out for parking and bus lane contraventions;

·       service objectives for enforcement; and

·       the appeals process that motorists must follow to dispute a parking or bus lane ticket and a guide to our cancellation policies.

This is aimed at ensuring our policies:

·       reflect national regulations and guidance;

·       are transparent; and

·       are consistent.

11.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Waste and Street Scene Policy Committee approves the updated Civil Parking and Bus Lane Enforcement Policy as amended and presented by officers at the meeting.

11.3

Reasons for Decision

11.3.1

The Department for Transport sets out that civil enforcement policies should be consistent, fair and effective. The existing policies need updating to reflect current regulations and enforcement options available to the local authority.

It is recommended that Members approve the policy in order for the updated recommendations to be implemented

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

11.4.1

Leave the observation period for restrictions where loading exemptions apply at 5 minutes but just reduce this to 3 minutes for yellow lines near schools. Initial patterns noted from observations carried out by CEOs suggest that most loading activity is spotted within the first few minutes. Applying 3 minutes generally is more consistent than doing so just at certain locations and would contribute to more efficient enforcement.

11.1

The Head of Street Scene Services and the Parking Services Manager introduced a report that sought approval for an updated Civil Parking and Bus Lane Enforcement Policy.

11.2

The policy would provide updated information and guidance on:

·       national regulations and government guidance;

·       how to carry out enforcement for parking and bus lane contraventions;

·       service objectives for enforcement; and

·       the appeals process that motorists must follow to dispute a parking or bus lane ticket and a guide to our cancellation policies.

The aim was to ensure that the policy reflected national regulations and guidance and provided transparency and consistency.

11.3

Members enquired about an online reporting tool that was being introduced for members of the public to report parking enforcement issues. Officers advised that it would be launched in the next few weeks and Members would be sent a link to the web-based tool.

11.4

Councillor Joe Otten proposed two amendments, seconded by Councillor Tim Huggan, which would alter the policy as follows:

1.     retain the two-month period for Penalty Charge Notices issued by post for contraventions recorded by CCTV; and

2.     retain the ten-minute observation period for Transits and other larger vehicles where street loading is permitted.

On being put to the vote, the amendments were lost.

(NOTE: The result of the vote was FOR – 3 Members; AGAINST – 6 Members; ABSTENTIONS – 0 Members. Councillors Sue Alston, Tim Huggan and Joe Otten asked for their votes for the amendments to be recorded.)

11.5

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Waste and Street Scene Policy Committee approves the updated Civil Parking and Bus Lane Enforcement Policy as amended and presented by officers at the meeting.

11.6

Reasons for Decision

11.6.1

The Department for Transport sets out that civil enforcement policies should be consistent, fair and effective. The existing policies need updating to reflect current regulations and enforcement options available to the local authority.

It is recommended that Members approve the policy in order for the updated recommendations to be implemented

11.7

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

11.7.1

Leave the observation period for restrictions where loading exemptions apply at 5 minutes but just reduce this to 3 minutes for yellow lines near schools. Initial patterns noted from observations carried out by CEOs suggest that most loading activity is spotted within the first few minutes. Applying 3 minutes generally is more consistent than doing so just at certain locations and would contribute to more efficient enforcement.

(NOTE: During the discussion of the above item, the Committee agreed, in accordance with Council Procedure rules, that the meeting should be extended by a further period of 30 minutes.)