Archived decisions

Contact: Heather Walmsley, ext 6581

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides a progress update on the proposed implementation of a Special Parking Area to decriminalise parking enforcement in the Test Valley borough.

2. Background

2.1 Following a study into the feasibility of decriminalised parking enforcement in Test Valley undertaken in 2001, which concluded that the creation of the Special Parking Area would be financially viable in a timescale of five years, approval was given in June 2001 by the Borough Council's Executive Committee to proceed with its implementation.

2.2 The Borough Council Executive agreed to proceed to take enforcement powers from October 2003. A further report to the Borough Council Executive meeting of 12 February 2003 sought delegated authority to agree terms for a draft Agency agreement with the County Council, as well as authority to implement the Permitted and Special Parking Areas, after the joint application from the County and Borough Councils has been made to the Secretary of State.

3. Proposals

3.1 Authority will be sought to:

(i) advertise the off-street parking order under the requirements of the 1991 Road Traffic Act;

(ii) confirm that the penalty charge level will be set at £60;

(iii) appoint representatives for the adjudication service; and

(iv) make administration and patrol staff appointments.

3.2 New computer equipment is to be purchased to service the administration arrangements, including hand held computer devices for patrol staff to issue `tickets' and facilitate effective administration by daily uploading site-based data back to headquarters for processing. This is to be supported by a link to the Borough Council's new Revenue Service computerised cash receipting system and links to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and the County Court service. As soon as these systems are available the programme is to recruit staff and train them in readiness for the October start date.

3.3 Traffic Regulation Orders will be reviewed for accuracy over the next two months, following which the new Orders will be prepared for submission to the Secretary of State.

3.4 Formal consultation will be carried out by County Council staff with the Police, Fire Service, neighbouring authorities Army and Highways Agency. The Borough Council will be informing Chambers of Commerce, parish and town councils and interested groups, as well as a general information campaign.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

7822/HW