Agenda item

Report of Strategic Director Communities & Environment.

Steve Donaldson delivered a presentation outlining the legal and operational background to Civic Parking Enforcement (CPE) in Gateshead. The presentation also provided an update on the focus of current operations and an update on the decision to undertake Civil Bus Lane Enforcement within Gateshead.

It was noted from the presentation that there are several overarching aims for parking enforcement which includes: congestion, safety, air quality, accessibility, technology, working together and fairness. It was further noted that the council’s parking control objectives are to minimise vehicle use in the busiest and most congested areas and to provide sufficient short stay parking facilities to support local businesses. It was also said that other objectives include safeguarding the needs of residents, businesses and visitors to Gateshead, to improve traffic conditions, to regulate and control parking and to preserve and improve infrastructure.

It was said that enforcement of parking is done so under the framework of Traffic Regulation Orders and national legislation which is supported by prescribed regulatory signs and lines. The Committee were also provided with an additional overview of enforcement strategies and activities which included an update on the Council’s camera enforcement vehicle.

An overview of the Parking Charge Notice (PCN) appeals process was provided noting that there are several stages within an appeal which includes an informal challenge, representations and the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. It was further noted that there are set guidelines to be followed by staff at each stage of the process.

The Committee were presented with a breakdown of PCN’s issued in 2016/17 as follows:

Informal Challenges:

•          3,168 received (24% of PCN’s)

•          1,954 rejected (15% of PCN’s)

•          1,214 accepted (9% of PCN’s)

Formal Representations:

•          539 received (4% of PCN’s)

•          338 rejected (2.5% of PCN’s)

•          201 accepted (1.5% of PCN’s)

It was noted on the presentation that a total of 1,415 PCN’s were cancelled as a result of the above appeals process, which is 11% of all PCN’s and that the figures indicate that around 72% of people whose challenges were rejected accepted the decision. The Committee were also presented with several examples of parking contraventions and their outcomes following appeal to illustrate the process and how decisions are made.

An update on Civil Bus Lane Enforcement was provided. It was noted from the presentation that Cabinet approved the introduction of CCTV-based bus lane enforcement in May 2016 with work ongoing to ensure necessary legal and engineering work is in place.

It was asked how many people had been caught by the camera enforcement vehicle parking outside of schools – this information is to be provided via e-mail following the meeting.

It was also asked why the officers responsible for enforcing littering are not able to also enforce parking rules. It was noted that the legislation plays a role in this with an explanation provided regarding the differences between civil and legal enforcement.

It was noted that the Bus Lane Enforcement plan is welcomed and that five locations have been identified as being problem areas according to feedback from residents and the police. It was noted that the rollout is planned to be as cost effective as possible. It was further noted that not all private hire vehicles are allowed to use bus lanes, only those which have the appropriate signage can be used.

It was asked whether statistics could be provided on PCN’s issued in each ward – notably Chopwell. It was advised that this information could be provided on a street by street basis if required – it was suggested that this information be fed via ward meetings.

A question was asked about the application process for Blue Badges noting that their use can be abused. It was said that there is a thorough application process and that Blue Badges can be seized if it is reported it is being misused.

A presentation was delivered by Sgt Matt Sykes from Northumbria Police to provide information to the Committee on the work done by police in policing roads.

It was noted that the priorities of the police form a 5 year strategy 2015-2020 which includes reducing road causalities, disrupting criminality, countering terrorism and patrolling the roads. An overview of schemes used to deliver the priorities was provided including the ‘THINK!’ campaign.

It was further noted that in policing the roads the police predominantly use motor patrols. An overview was provided on Operation Dragoon which targeted dangerous drivers and provided education and engagement to members of the public.

From the presentation the Committee were advised that there is a 3 strand approach to making roads safer which is enforcement, engagement and education. It was noted that this was set up in 2013 following a number of high profile incidents of dangerous driving which led to fatalities. A further overview of enforcement and engagement activities was provided highlighting the event at Saltwell Park and Revolution Car Event at Gateshead Stadium. It was also noted that the police make use of social media to promote their services and safety messages.

The Committee were advised that within Gateshead there are 16 active mobile camera sites, 5 static speed cameras, 4 red light cameras, enforcement on the A1 (due to commence) a handheld speed device and a community speed watch.

It was asked what is being done to prevent fatalities within Gateshead by speeding drivers. It was noted that there have been 8 deaths on Gateshead roads between the hours of 6pm and 6am. It was said that should the police receive a report they will investigate however it is difficult to enforce speeding in all areas at all times. It was further noted that on Shibdon Road where an issue was highlighted it is not possible to park a police van due to parking restrictions.

It was noted that previously there has been regular joint meetings with the police between Councillors to provide regular update on issues within wards – it was said that this is needed again and would need to be organised at a senior level.

It was noted that the enforcement signage is awaited for the A1 advising of the average speed cameras.

It was noted that criminal convictions are a matter of public record and it was said that it would be useful for a Council officer to research public records to establish the number of convictions for driving at speed/dangerous driving incidents in Gateshead, particularly at night.

RESOLVED:

i) That the information from the reports and presentations be noted.