Lib Dems express concern over On-Street Parking Enforcement (South West Surrey Liberal Democrats)

South West Surrey Liberal Democrats <info@swsurreylibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems express concern over On-Street Parking Enforcement

April 6, 2006 1:00 AM

Waverley councillors last night expressed their concerns about the enforcement of on-street parking across the borough over the coming months.

Despite reaching an agreement with Surrey County Council which will benefit local residents, pedestrians and road users in the long-term, Executive councillors voiced their unease that neither Waverley or Surrey County Council is able to act to enforce parking regulations throughout the borough.

Speaking after the meeting Lib Dem Councillor John Robini, Waverley's portfolio holder for community, youth and car parks, said: "Waverley has always been committed to resolving the issue of parking enforcement throughout the borough with Surrey County Council.

"We are now in the unacceptable situation that until on-street parking offences are decriminalised to become civil offences in Waverley, neither we, or Surrey County Council are able to enforce parking regulations until we have the specific approval of the Secretary of State for Transport. The power to enforce what are currently criminal offences rests exclusively with the Police. They are the only authority able to prosecute offenders, and regrettably they have declined Surrey County Council's proposals to continue enforcing parking regulations in the interim.

"Waverley is not standing still on this issue. The Secretary of State must be satisfied that the enforcement arrangements proposed are sufficient, effective and enforceable. We are working closely with SCC in their preparation of an application to attain the Secretary of State's approval.

A draft agency agreement has been drawn up and has already been considered by Waverley for SCC to take forward. We are now also undertaking work to enable Waverley to re-tender our parking services contract to include on street enforcement.

"This process will unfortunately take some time, and residents are understandably anxious that motorists will park their cars inconsiderately and jeopardise people's safety and put property at risk of serious damage. The Police have reassured us that they will continue to issue penalties where these situations occur. However, I urge all motorists to act responsibly and reasonably and give thought to local residents, pedestrians and other road users.

"Although the responsibility for enforcing on-street parking will not transfer to Waverley until early next year, we recognise that this is an unacceptable situation for residents of the borough. Council officers are currently working to organise a meeting between Surrey Police, Surrey County Council and ourselves to see whether satisfactory interim arrangements can be agreed."