Regulations will clampdown on thoughtless car parking

Clampdown on illegal parking gets green light

The Cabinet of the County Council gave the green light to seek the necessary powers and enter into partnerships with district authorities to launch Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE).

DPE means local councils will take over responsibility from Police for the majority of on-street parking enforcement.

John Wakefield, the County Council's Leader for Development Services said: "Parking is an issue that can really inflame passions and has led to unpleasant neighbourhood disputes. Illegal parking is not only anti-social, but can also be a real safety issue, especially in close proximity to schools and other areas that attract a lot of vulnerable pedestrians."

"The Police are fully in favour of DPE as it will free their resources to deal with more serious criminal matters, and local authorities see it as a way of helping solve neighbourhood disputes and improving road safety. It will also keep traffic flowing and minimise congestion.

It is anticipated that DPE partnerships will be formed between the County Council and each of Staffordshire's eight district councils. The first "tranche" of partnerships in Stafford Borough, East Staffordshire and Staffordshire Moorlands, will begin operating in autumn 2007. It is likely the County Council and Districts will share the initial costs, with the County Council providing expertise and technical support while the districts take responsibility of day-to-day operations including the employment of wardens and the issue of tickets.

Another major impact of DPE will be to the introduction of more Residents Permit Parking Schemes.

Cllr Wakefield said: "At the moment we are unable to set up new schemes as they take very high levels of enforcement which the Police are understandably unable to supply.

"The introduction of schemes would provide an important tool to assist in combating the frustration and anger many residents reliant on on-street parking feel about not being able to find a parking space near their home."