NEWS RELEASES
Big change to how parking rules are enforced
6th January 2006
SOME big changes in the way that parking regulations are enforced come into effect this month.
From January 23, in partnership with West Sussex County Council, Horsham District Council will become responsible for on-street parking control throughout the Horsham District, a job previously undertaken by the police. This is an addition to off street Council car parks, which we already manage.
The first thing that motorists will notice is a substantial increase in the number of parking attendants patrolling the streets of the District because the new system will enable us to employ 13 of them, supported by two supervisors and two clerks. That compares with only three currently employed by the police.
We expect to see an end to illegal parking “black spots” and a fairer and more efficient system for all. But there is another big benefit besides. Under the old regime most of the money generated through parking fines went to the Government, but now this income will pay for the enforcement system and any surplus will be used to the benefit of local transport, parking and other environmental improvements.
Another plus will be the wider role played by attendants. Whilst they will not have the responsibilities of community wardens, they will provide a new friendly face in our communities and will be able to report on issues such as dog fouling or graffiti, so that other departments can step in to take speedy action.
This increased uniformed presence should contribute towards community safety and the reduction of vehicle crime, there will be better control over disabled and residents’ bays and we should see clearer and safer roads and pavements.
The new attendants will not be working on quotas or targets, but will merely ensure that drivers obey the rules. The penalty charge for illegal parking will be £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days, but increasing to £90 for late payment. Once a ticket has been issued it cannot be withdrawn by the attendant and any cases of threat or abuse to attendants will be reported to the police.
If you believe that the rules have not been broken, or there are valid mitigating circumstances, then the appeals process is available. In such cases representations should be made to the District Council and, if you are still not satisfied by the outcome, the matter can go to appeal through The National Parking Adjudication Service set up specifically to settle unresolved legal disputes between the motorist and councils.
In the early stages of the new scheme we do not expect to invoke powers to tow away vehicles that contravene the regulations, however, in extreme cases where a vehicle may be causing a serious traffic hazard and the owner cannot be traced, this may happen. The Police might also choose to follow this course of action.
The new parking attendants will be seen in the town and villages from January 23. More information about Local Authority Parking Enforcement will be published soon.
Ends
Councillor Jean Burnham, The Chairman, Horsham District Council, Park North, North Street, Horsham, RH12 1RL.
Email: contactchairman@horsham.gov.uk