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Bye bye traffic wardens - hello Council enforcers
The New Year will be bringing new changes to the way parking regulations in the District are enforced.
Out goes the familiar face of Traffic Wardens, responsible to the Police, and in comes new Parking Attendants who will be employed by the City Council.
The change-over, which kicks in on January 10, comes about as a result of the Road Traffic Act of 1991. The Act allows for the decriminalisation of most non-endorsable parking offences and gives local councils the powers to enforce parking regulations and use the money raised to help fund other enforcement activities.
It will also help us to ensure that parking policies are implemented effectively which will bring improved traffic flow, better traffic management, a fairer distribution of available parking places and a better environment, said Tony Parker, the Councils Assistant Director for Highways, who is overseeing the changes.
The changes will see 28 Parking Attendants across the District - an increase of 10 on existing parking enforcement staff - and Tony warns that the change-over will bring little comfort to those drivers who flout the law.
Although Traffic Wardens, or the yellow peril as they are unkindly called, will be a thing of the past, we are determined to crackdown on drivers who park irresponsibly - especially those who ignore residents-only parking restrictions.
Existing Traffic Wardens, as well as new recruits, will be taking to the streets and car parks following formal and on-the-job training to become Parking Attendants.
Tony said: Parking Attendants will be able to enforce on-street and off-street legislation - although more serious endorsable offences like parking on the approach to a pedestrian crossing or causing an obstruction would remain a matter for the Police.
The penalty for on-street and off-street parking offences is set at ?40 but is reduced to ?20 if paid within 14 days. Drivers wanting to challenge a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) must do so in writing and their case will be considered for extenuating circumstances by a senior officer. Further appeal against the issue of a PCN will bring in an independent adjudicator who will be able to asses the matter and make a binding decision.
Full details of parking decriminalisation go before members of the Councils Highways and Transportation Sub-Committee on Tuesday (30 November) when councillors will be asked to nominate a member and substitute to serve on the National Adjudication Panel which oversees the adjudication process.
NOTE TO NEWS EDITORS: If you would like to know more about the changes, interview an existing Traffic Warden or new Parking Attendant or take photographs, please contact Tony Parker, Assistant Director for Highways on (01227) 862406
Q: When did the new arrangements start?
A: The new arrangements will commence on Thursday, 1 November 2007. From this date the Police ceased to have any powers to enforce yellow lines and other parking restrictions. All enforcement is now carried out by, and on behalf of, the Council.
Q: If parking is now decriminalised, does this mean I can park where I like?
A: No. Although parking offences have been decriminalised, other powers have been given to local authorities to allow them to enforce parking restrictions. The Police or Traffic Wardens will not be enforcing parking restrictions. Council employed Parking Attendants will take over the role and the increased level of enforcement under DPE means that you are much more likely to receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if you contravene the regulations both on street and in car parks.
Q: Where and when will enforcement take place?
A: DPE covers most roads and car parks within the Stafford Borough, the main exemptions being the motorways. Enforcement could be carried out on any day and at any time that a waiting or parking restriction is in force.
Q: How much will a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cost?
A: For all contraventions both on street and in a car park the PCN is £60, this is reduced to £30 if the notice is paid within 14 days of issue. If you don't make payment or respond to letters sent to you the charge will increase to £90.
Q: Will parking attendants have targets to meet and issue PCNs to everyone just to achieve them?
A: No, there will be no target for the number of PCNs that a parking attendant must issue. All parking attendants will undergo comprehensive training to achieve nationally recognised standards of competence.
Q: What are the benefits of local enforcement?
A: Local enforcement will keep Stafford Borough moving, reduce dangerous and inconvenient parking, support local businesses, support town centre needs, assist loading and unloading, improve conditions in residential parking areas, improve road safety and assist blue badge holders.
Q: Is this another "fund raising exercise"?
A: No. Income from enforcement will come only from drivers who have contravened parking regulations. Payments received will help fund the cost of providing the enforcement and parking service.
Q: Will these changes mean local businesses and shops suffer?
A: No. Areas of short-term parking such as outside local shops will receive better enforcement. As drivers will no longer be able to park for longer than permitted, it will be easier to find a space when you need it. It should also be easier for businesses to load and unload.
Q: Will vehicles be clamped or towed away?
A: At the present time it is not intended to introduce clamping or vehicle removals. It is an option that is available and could be considered at some time in the future.
Q: Will the Police be responsible for any parking enforcement?
A: The Police will not be responsible for enforcing any permanent waiting, loading or parking restrictions. The Police will continue to issue parking tickets for parking on pedestrian crossing zigzags as this offence also carries penalty points and will also continue to deal with obstruction and all moving traffic offences.
Q: How will the new parking attendants be different from the traffic wardens?
A: Although parking attendants will have a similar role to that of the Traffic Wardens, they will be employed by the local authority and not the police. Parking attendants will issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) not parking tickets. Parking Attendants will wear uniforms and be easily recognisable.
Decriminalised Parking Enforcement Explained
Updated: 05 November 2007
On 1 April 2008 significant changes take place to civil parking enforcement. This is parking enforcement undertaken by local authorities rather than the police. They can keep the revenue to invest in parking or transport. The majority of local authorities now control parking in this manner together with all London Councils.
