Parking enforcement ‘not just council cash cow’ - Shaun Davies

Earlier this year a deal was agreed which would see responsibility for parking enforcement in the Telford area transferred from West Mercia Police to Telford & Wrekin Council.

Following further negotiations, up to £200,000 of funding over three years was agreed by the Police and Crime Commisioner John Campion.

This funding will help cover the scheme’s initial set up costs over the next three years.

At a cabinet meeting, Telford & Wrekin Council said it will be adopting an in-house system, which aims to take an education first approach before fining repeat offenders.

'Not the Shropshire Council way'

Council leader Councillor Shaun Davies said: “We’ve had some really positive conversations with parish and town councils about parking enforcement.

“However, we will not do what Shropshire Council has done, which is to give this responsibility to a private contractor who then has targets to meet and sits outside schools and waits to see people drop their children off and then ticket them.

“We will have an in-house team who will take an education first approach and then enforce against those repeat offenders. This isn’t going to be a money making scheme.

“One of the things I am very keen to point out is that there are going to be initial start-up costs for the scheme, John Campion had to contribute to those set-up costs.

“His grants will help cover these costs for the first three years.

"Councillors are hopeful the new enforcement plan will reduce pressure on local policing teams, allowing them to focus their resources on more pressing issues in the Telford area.”

Councillor Davies said this year saw 345 fewer police officers on the beat across West Mercia, with the police force facing even more cuts in the future.

He added: “John Campion and I have worked really closely on this. I think there is a recognition from the administration that things like car parking is not going to be high on the list of priorities for our police.”

However, Gareth Boulton, head of communications and engagement for Mr Campion, disputed the claim of 345 fewer police officers on the beat. "These figures were checked with the Police and Crime Commissioner, and were found to be inaccurate," he said.