Archived decisions

COUNCIL MEETING, 20 FEBRUARY 2003

REPORT OF THE

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Environment

Part II

EASTLEIGH BOROUGH COUNCIL DECRIMINALISATION OF ON-STREET PARKING ENFORCEMENT

1. The 1991 Road Traffic Act enables a highway authority to apply to the Secretary of State for approval of Special Parking Areas (SPAs) and Permitted Parking Areas (PPAs). The legislation decriminalises parking offences and all income from charges and excess charges is accrued by the local authority to offset enforcement costs, with any surplus being used to enhance the parking service.

2. A number of the district councils in Hampshire have decided to carry out enforcement of on-street parking restrictions in their areas where the County Council is exercising these powers. One of the main benefits is that it should ensure that enforcement methods for on and off street parking are consistent as they will be carried out by the same authority. Effective enforcement of parking controls can make a valuable contribution to achieving the objectives of the County Council's transport strategy.

3. In 1996 Winchester City Council was the first district to take up the new arrangements, which in practice have proved successful. This was followed by decriminalised parking enforcement becoming operational in Hart and Rushmoor in June 2002, with Test Valley and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Councils embarking on a similar scheme. A study to assess the feasibility of introducing decriminalised parking enforcement in Eastleigh concluded that it would be financially viable within a five year period and was operationally desirable. Therefore, as part of the County Council's programme a decision was taken on 14 January 2003 to submit an application to the Secretary of State for an SPA and PPA in Eastleigh. At the appropriate time, a separate Agreement will be completed between the County Council and Eastleigh Borough to delegate the functions and services given to the County Council by the Secretary of State in designating the area a SPA/PPA.

KEITH B. ESTLIN,

Executive Member

for Environment.

8ER320103