Blackpool Parking Report 2008/2009

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Blackpool Council

Civil Parking EnforcementAnnual Report 2008/ 2009


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Contents

1. Introduction

2. Aims & Objectives of Service

3. Parking Profile

4. Enforcement

5. Appeals

Appendices

Appendix A.Financial Report

Appendix B.Statistical Report


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Civil Parking Enforcement in Blackpool Annual Report 2009

1. Introduction

1.1 Blackpool is a Seaside Town home to approximately 150,000 localresidents as well as being a holiday resort to 14.7 million visitors each year(based on 2008 figures) and is base for many businesses. We are home toa number of famous attractions such as Blackpool Tower, the PleasureBeach Amusement Park and of course the Illuminations, which light up theentire Promenade.

1.2 Blackpool Council became responsible for the implementation of both on andoff-street parking enforcement in November 2003. In addition to its own

previous responsibilities for off-street parking, Blackpool Council becameresponsible for various parking restrictions on-street. These functions werecarried out under the provisions of the Road Traffic Act 1991 and was knownas Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE). On 31 March 2008, CivilParking Enforcement (CPE) replaced DPE functions under the provisionscontained in Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004. This introducedvariable charges relating to the type of parking contravention and, morerecently the ability to enforce some moving traffic offences such as drive awaysand parking on a dropped kerb/ double parking (i.e. one vehicle parkingalongside another).

1.3 Waiting Restrictions are introduced after much consideration and are intendedprimarily to improve road safety and maintain traffic flow, assisting bothpedestrians and road users. We aim to facilitate both residents in the town andlocal businesses, as well as our visitors.

1.4 These restrictions are made by way of Traffic Regulation Orders formulated bythe Council.

1.5 Blackpool Council car parks are also covered by regulations and these areoperated as Pay and Display or Pay on Foot facilities.

2. Aims & Objectives of the Service.

2.1 The current Parking Service was established in 2003, under decriminalisedarrangements to ensure effective, efficient and economic enforcement ofparking regulations throughout Blackpool in accordance with the appropriatelegislation and government guidance.

There is a clear requirement for both on and off-street functions to beseparately accountable and careful planning and management are essential toachieve this.

The Service aims to help deliver the Council's objectives as set out in itsapproved corporate, parking and transport strategies.


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2.2 The Primary objectives of the service are:-To maintain public safety-To assist the free movement of traffic-To ensure compliance with parking regulations

2.3 We strive to achieve the above objectives in our operation of CPE throughclose involvement with the Councils Traffic Management Department andliaison with the Police and Fire Services.

2.4 The Council's Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) provide a service which is fairand even-handed, and one that acts as a deterrent to drivers who wouldnormally seek to park in contravention of restrictions.

3. Parking Profile

3.1 Off Street

There are a total of 27 car parks within the borough providing 6353spaces. 248 of these spaces are designated for disabled drivers (plusunlimited spaces for disabled drivers on an unmarked car park with acapacity of 400 vehicles).

112 of these spaces are designated for coaches as well as a newlydeveloped drop off and pick up facility designed to assist day trips.

There are also designated motorcycle bays on several of our car parks.

Our car parks use a Pay and Display or a Pay on Foot System and permits

are available for the majority of car parks for reduced parking rates.Locations of all of our car parks can be found on the Blackpool Councilwebsite (www.blackpool.gov.uk).

3.2 On-Street

On street enforcement is carried across the borough in all areas wheredesignated Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) exist.

There are approximately 470 Pay and Display bays throughout the towncentre and approximately 88 designated Disabled parking bays.

We also have approximately 10 designated Motorcycle bays on street.

Locations of all the above can be found on the Blackpool Council websitedetailed above.


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4. Enforcement

4.1 Enforcement is covered by approximately 10 Civil EnforcementOfficers (CEOs)per shift (inclusive of two used for cash collection and one

designated Dispatcher). This number will decrease out of season duringquieter times.

Staff deployment is currently undertaken in shifts using a system of "beats" to cover areaswhere enforcement is carried out. All beats are patrolled as often as possible, resourcesallowing, but with special attention always being given to priority areas e.g. town centre.

4.2 Contrary to popular belief, there are no targets for PCN issue and neither areCEOs paid a bonus for the number they issue.

4.3 However, work rates are monitored and in the interest of fairness CEOs areexpected to issue PCNs when they see a contravention.

5 Appeals

5.1 Motorists who have been issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) and who wish tocontest it have the option to do so. All contact details are available on the reverse ofthe PCN including postal and e-mail address.

5.2 In the first instance, a motorist may make a written challenge to the Council. They can

do this by letter or now by e-mail. Should this be rejected and the PCN remain unpaid,a Notice to Owner (NtO) will be sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle who thenhas the opportunity to make representations to the Council.

5.3 If such representations are rejected, motorists may then formally appeal to the TrafficPenalty Tribunal (TPT) where an independent adjudicator will hear the case. Appealscan be heard in person, by post, and now by telephone, which provides moreconvenience to the appellant and speeds up the process.

5.4 The adjudicators decision is final and binding on all parties.


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Appendix A

Financial Report for 2008/09

Total income in parking 7,096,048

Total expenditure.. 4,869,349

Net Surplus. 2,226,699

The surplus forms part of Blackpool Councils overall financial position.

Income breakdown

Off-Street Pay and Display 4,610,938

Off-Street PCN income.. 388,537

Other Off-Street income (permits etc). 202,020

Total.. 5201,495

Expenditure.. 4647,911

Surplus... 553,584

On-Street Pay and Display.. 962,215

On- Street PCN income 871,013

Other On-Street income (permits etc) 61,325

Total. 1894,553

Expenditure. 221,438

Surplus. 1673,115


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Appendix B

Statistical Report for 2008/09

Number of higher level PCNs issued. 18,110

Number of lower level PCNs issued 23,943TOTAL 42,053

Number of PCNs paid 28,787

Number of PCNS paid at discount rate. . 24,112

Number of PCNS against which formal or informal representationmade.. .

Formal Appeals to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT) . 44

Number of PCNS Cancelled as a result of a formal/informalRepresentation 5,553

Number of PCNs written off for other reason

(e.g. CEO error-including voided, not issued/untraceable) 10,920

Number of vehicles immobilized.

Number of vehicles removed.. 220

This information is currentlynotavailable. We areworkingon newdatacapture systems to enableaccurate recording of suchdata.

Appeal Allowed 27Appeals Dismissed 17Appeals Not Contested 15

Blackpool Council donotimmobilise anyvehicle

(This numberincludesrelocations)


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Abbreviations

CEO Civil Enforcement Officer

CPE Civil Parking Enforcement

DPE Decriminalised Parking Enforcement

NtO Notice to Owner

PCN Penalty Charge Notice

TMA Traffic Management Act

TPT Traffic Penalty Tribunal

TRO Traffic Regulation Order


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Blackpool Parking Report 2008/2009

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