Telford MP Lucy Allan joins calls for action on traffic wardens
Councillors are being urged to back a motion that would see Telford & Wrekin Council given the power to penalise poor parking.
Telford MP Lucy Allan says that by assuming civil parking enforcement powers and taking over traffic wardens, the council will be able to clamp down on the parking "free-for-all" that currently exists in parts of Telford.
Currently it is one of only 21 councils in the country - and the only council in the West Midlands - that does not have the power.
The motion has been seconded by Councillor Nicola Lowery.
Ms Allan says she has had contact from constituents all over Telford who complain about about poor parking in their neighbourhoods, either blocking driveways, on double yellow lines or in dangerous ways. She says she is keen to see the council assume these new powers.
She added: "Constituents regularly contact me about irresponsible parking that can be anything from a nuisance to a safety concern. The vast majority of councils have taken on CPE powers to prevent the type of poor parking that blights parts of Telford and so I urge councillors to agree this motion for the benefit of our residents." The job of issuing tickets to motorists in Telford is currently in the hands of police or police community support officers. But, with the order, the council could target problem areas itself, potentially increasing the number of tickets issued to motorists each year – and allowing the council to keep any fines that are issued.
Councillor Carter says it will put the council in a better place to monitor problem parking, leaving the police able to investigate more serious crimes.
Councils have been able to take on responsibility for parking wardens since 2004.
Councillor Lowery added: "A limited number of parish and town councils have carried out enforcement with specially sanctioned police community support officers, however this is not financially sustainable long-term.
"Telford & Wrekin Council also provide additional PCSOs but plan to cease funding these in 2017.
"It is therefore imperative that the council develops a satisfactory and viable business case to address residents' concerns to ensure effective parking enforcement within our borough.
"It is apparent that from Newport in the north of our borough to Ironbridge in the south, residents need the local authority to tackle irresponsible parking on our roads.
"It is essential Telford & Wrekin Council adopt Civil Parking Enforcement to ensure safe parking for the betterment of our residents."
