New Telford parking powers 'may aid high streets'

Councillor Nicola Lowery for the Ironbridge Gorge said parking problems are a major problem in her ward and the new powers could curb the issue borough-wide.

At a meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council's full council the issue was raised as a notice of motion by Councillor Eric Carter and seconded by Councillor Lowery.

It was put forward to be looked at by the scrutiny committee before being referred to Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet.

The council is one of only 22 authorities in the UK that do not have civil parking enforcement powers, which would put them in charge of monitoring and prosecuting parking problems.

Councillor Lowery said: "As the majority of councils have adopted civil parking enforcement powers there are many examples throughout the country that illustrate its ability to control unsafe and illegal parking.

"This has the potential to improve access to our high streets, assist in the reconciliation of the competing demands for kerb space, enhance the accessibility of public transport and help support the needs of people with disabilities.

"As the ward member for the Ironbridge Gorge I am aware that irresponsible parking is of great concern to residents and our parish.

"This has resulted in The Gorge Parish Council offering their support for the motion by encouraging the council to take on CPE.

"A small number of parish and town councils have carried out enforcement with specially sanctioned PCSOs, however this is not feasible for many parish councils across our borough."

Great Dawley Town Council funds its own PCSO, while Newport and Wellington Town councils joint fund another.

But the PCSOs are not solely responsible for parking problems and Councillor Lowery said it is unlikely that they will continue to be funded in the long-term.

She said: "The police face many challenges and this only reinforces the need for a dedicated resource to enforce parking restrictions."

The plans have also been backed by Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion who said: "

I would actively support Telford & Wrekin Council should they wish to work with the police to de-criminalise on street parking."

The motion will be discussed by the council's cabinet later this year.