Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Head of Operations seeking amendments to the Council’s Off Street Parking Strategy which in 2018 decided not to progress the civil enforcement of on-street parking offences in Huntingdonshire.

Executive Councillor: Mrs M Beuttell.

The Cabinet has:

(a)  updated the Off-Street Parking Strategy 2018-2023 to enable the progression of Civil Parking Enforcement of On-Street Parking in Huntingdonshire;

(b)  approved the two-year project ‘Civil Parking Enforcement’ in Huntingdonshire to be started from 1st April 2021 utilising the budget provision already made for the project with associated revenue implications; and

(c)  authorised Officers to seek an emergency agreement with the Highways Authority, Cambridgeshire County Council, in line with recommendations (a) and (b) above and their commitment to support the required application to the Department for Transport.

Consideration was given to a report prepared by the Head of Operations (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) seeking to amend the recommendations of the Council’s Off-Street Parking Strategy 2018-2023, which, in 2018, had been decided not to progress the civil enforcement of on-street parking offences in Huntingdonshire.

In introducing the report, the Executive Councillor for Operations and Environment reminded the Cabinet that at the time the original decision was made, it had not been financially viable to implement civil parking enforcement within the District. Having drawn attention to the projected costs of the proposals together with the timetable for implementation and the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Customers and Partnerships), the Cabinet

RESOLVED 

(a)  to update the Off-Street Parking Strategy 2018-2023 to enable the progression of Civil Parking Enforcement of On-Street Parking in Huntingdonshire;

(b)  to approve the two-year project ‘Civil Parking Enforcement’ in Huntingdonshire to be started from 1st April 2021 utilising the budget provision already made for the project with associated revenue implications; and

(c)  to authorise Officers to seek an emergency agreement with the Highways Authority, Cambridgeshire County Council, in line with recommendations (a) and (b) above and their commitment to support the required application to the Department for Transport.

The Panel are to consider a report on Civil Parking Enforcement.

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Operations (a copy of which has been appended in the Minute Book) on Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE). Following an introduction by the Executive Councillor for Operations and Environment, Councillor Alban sought reassurance on whether the local constabulary would continue to enforce parking. The Panel were informed that the local constabulary would continue to undertake parking enforcement but that it was likely that requests for enforcement would be made via the Council due to public perception of how enforcement worked. Members were also informed that there was scope for joint enforcement operations, when appropriate.

Councillor Giles asked for clarification of how the money from penalties would be handled. It was confirmed that the Council would put this money towards the service’s operating costs. The Council was not legally allowed to make a surplus and, given the rural nature of the District, this was highly unlikely.

Clarification was sought by Councillor Tysoe of how the service would be managed. It was confirmed that for the first two years of operation, the service would remain in-house. After that, an assessment would be made of which model offered best value to the Council. The Panel was reassured that regardless of the structure employed, the same legislative controls would apply.

Following a further question from Councillor Tysoe on whether parking enforcement would take place in the more rural areas of the District, it was confirmed that these areas would receive an appropriate level of service, which would be outlined within the Enforcement Policy. Councillor Criswell welcomed the clarification of parking enforcement for the rural areas of the District.

Councillor Wilson asked whether the Council was acquiring knowledge and experience from similarly profiled local authorities in order to achieve the best service outcomes for the District. The Panel was informed that this was occurring, and that the implementation of CPE was being led by the Head of Operations who had significant experience in this field. In addition, an expert advisor would be appointed to assist with the process.

In response to a question from Councillor Alban on the process for changing the designation of areas, the Panel was informed that the Council would have an agreement from the Highway Authority to enforce the restrictions in existence and that there was no budget for the provision of new restrictions. It was also confirmed that in order to enforce a restriction there would need to be a sign, a line and a traffic regulation order.

Following a discussion on the use of discretion, Councillor Criswell expressed the view that it was important for Civil Enforcement Officers to adhere to the law in order to be consistent. It was confirmed that this would be reflected within the future Enforcement Policy and appeal procedure. In conclusion, the Panel welcomed the proposal to introduce CPE and

RESOLVED

that the Cabinet be encouraged to endorse the recommendations contained within the report.