NEWS RELEASES
The signs point to major change in parking enforcement
10th January 2006
Signs are being erected on major approach roads to towns and villages in Horsham District and Mid Sussex to remind drivers about the major change in parking enforcement taking place in both districts from Monday 23 January.
The information signs form part of the countdown to the introduction of Local Authority Parking Enforcement (LAPE) when parking attendants employed by the district councils will replace Sussex Police traffic wardens.
LAPE is being introduced in partnership with West Sussex County Council with the key aim of bringing about safer, and less congested streets.
The scheme will also mean that particular problem areas can be targeted because both districts councils will be employing more parking attendants than the number of traffic wardens the Police have been able to provide.
Problems that could be tackled include abuse of parking bays for the disabled, and all day parking in short term spaces designed for shoppers.
All three local authorities have stressed that drivers who park legally will notice no difference.
Changes in the law have paved the way for LAPE. Under previous legislation all income from parking fines went straight to the national exchequer.
From 23 January, drivers who contravene parking restrictions will receive a penalty charge notice, and Mid Sussex and Horsham District Councils will retain the income to meet the running costs of the enforcement measures, and bringing about safer streets. Any surplus income will be spent locally on transport and environmental improvements.
Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pemberton, West Sussex Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “The signs advising drivers that changes in parking enforcement are imminent are all part of ensuring that the introduction of LAPE goes as smoothly as possible.
“This is a major step change in the County, starting in these two districts, and the benefits will quickly become evident. No longer should illegal and thoughtless parking cause obstruction and unnecessary traffic congestion in our towns. Once these new measures have bedded in, I can turn my attention to our other towns across the county where the need is equally as great, and work with my District and Borough colleagues towards a time in the not too distant future when the whole of West Sussex will be mostly an illegal parking free zone!”
Cllr David Jenkins, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Land Use Planning, said: “When LAPE is introduced in the Horsham District later this month, we welcome the opportunity it will bring of being able to deal with problems of inconsiderate parking – issues that have been raised with us over a number of years by members of the public and shopkeepers.”
Councillor Gordon Marples, Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “Last October when we announced our intention to introduce the new measures across the District, I made it clear that we would adopt a ‘firm but fair’ approach to enforcement.
“Our main priority is to tackle the serious problem of congestion on our roads by improving traffic flows. The signs have been erected in highly visible locations so that motorists are given adequate warning that things are going to be different on Mid Sussex roads and in our car parks from 23 January and they are a clear illustration of our ‘fair play’ policy.”
More information about LAPE is available online
Ends
This news release has been issued jointly by Horsham District Council, West Sussex County Council and Mid Sussex District Council.
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk