LB Lambeth Jan 2009

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Lambeth Annual Parkingand Enforcement Report

2007/2008 Overview

January 2009


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Table of Contents

1 Introduction 31.1 Overview 3

1.2 The councils website and parking information 41.3 The purpose of this document 4

1.4 Listening to community views on parking 52 Whats new 62.1 The parking enforcement contract changes 62.2 The introduction of differential PCN charging 62.3 The introduction of emission-based charges for residents parking

permits9

2.4 Customer Services, Parking Shops and Contact Centres 102.5 Lambeth car parks 102.6 Changes to vehicle removals policy and cessation of clamping 10

2.7 Partnerships in Parking (PiP) 112.8 Introduction of Chip and PIN pay and display machines 112.9 CPZ arrangements and reviews in the borough 123 Statistics, financial information, reviews and monitoring 133.1 The number of PCNs issued between 2004/05 and 2006/7 by

contravention type13

3.2 Bus lanes, moving traffic and CCTV enforcement 153.3 Photographic records of contraventions 163.4 PCN recovery rates 163.5 Fraud detection 163.6 The incidence of clamping and removal of vehicles 173.7 Financial statistics 18

3.8 Parking income application of surplus 193.9 Statistics on appeals and related information 213.10 Performance statistics relating to Lambeths enforcement contracts,

and Parking Attendants safety23

3.11 Traffic flow and parking enforcement 253.12 Road safety 253.13 Air quality 27

Glossary 28


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Introduction

1.1 Overview1.1.1 This is Lambeths firstAnnual Parking and Enforcement Report. The councilhas published this report voluntarily in advance of the requirements in the TrafficManagement Act 2004 that requires an annual report to be published from 2008. Thereport covers a wider range of data and statistics than required by the Act to give abroader picture and overall review of parking and enforcement related activities inLambeth.

Two broad themes are covered in the report:

Whats new this deals with changes in policy and enforcement practices (forexample, the ending of widespread clamping and reducing the extent ofvehicle removals) and new parking products and services that appeared overthe last year.

Reviews and monitoring this provides updates on parking related reviewsthat are occurring and the results of relevant monitoring activity. Reference isalso made to parking and enforcement statistics, as well as financialinformation with comparative data for previous years.

1.1.2 Lambeths parking and enforcement activities are outlined in the bookletParking in Lambeth which is available from the parking shop or council offices.The Parking and Enforcement Plan 2005/06 (PEP) and this Annual Report arecompanion documents. The PEPwhich is now under review was produced inconjunction with the councils Local Implementation plan (LIP) 2005-2011 andsubmitted to the Mayors office in 2005. The current LIP document can be viewed

and downloaded from the Lambeth website at:http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/Services/TransportStreets/TransportStrategy/LocalImplementationPlan.htm

Information on parking generally, explaining our priorities, service standards and whyparking restrictions are needed are also available on the councils website at:www.lambeth.gov.uk/parking

The purpose of parking regulations and controls are indicated in the following text.

1.1.3 Technical terms and acronyms are explained in the glossary at the end of this

report.

The purpose of parking and traffic regulations and why they are enforced

Lambeths annual parking report sets out some of the facts and figures of our parkingand enforcement activity, but it is important also to bear in mind why the boroughmanages parking in the first place. The various parking policy objectives are set outmore fully in the Parking and Enforcement Plan, but can be summarised as follows.

Everyone who uses Lambeths Streets is affected by parking issues whether theyown or drive a car or not.


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Parking policy is not just about allocating and managing limited on-street and off-street space. It is also about enabling the safe and efficient movement of traffic, andproviding an attractive street environment for everyone.

As in many other inner London boroughs demand for parking in Lambeth far outstripsthe supply of kerb space available and the council seeks to maintain an active

balance between the different demands from residents, their visitors, businessesand their deliveries and customers, access for disabled people, etc.

This also needs to be balanced with the duty on the council to increase safety,reduce congestion, keep traffic moving, avoid unsafe and obstructive parking, andmake sure there is good access for pedestrians, cyclists, buses and vehicles of allsorts.

Alongside this is the aim of sustainability, restraining non-essential traffic so that weachieve efficient movements for essential vehicles (e.g. emergency services anddeliveries). In a crowded inner city area such as Lambeth we need to encouragepeople to move in the most efficient and sustainable way possible and to help

achieve this we aim to improve conditions for walking and cycling to make thesemovements safer and improve the flow of public transport. In addition this has clearlinks to minimising the wider impacts of traffic on poor air quality and climate change.

1.2 The councils website and parking informationThe latest and up to date information about parking services and operations in theborough is provided on the council website at www.lambeth.gov.uk/parking

Here you can find;-

Our services and standards Contact details by post, in person, by phone or by email

Details and location of our car parks

Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) - locations, hours of operation and maps

Parking permits for residents details, fees and application forms

CCTV enforcement of parking and moving traffic offences

Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) - differential charges, how to pay or appeal aparking ticket.

1.3 The purpose of this document

1.3.1 Following the election of the Labour administration in May 2006, severalaspects of Lambeths parking and enforcement policies have changed. A revisedversion of the councils Parking and Enforcement Plan (PEP) reflecting thesechangeswill be prepared and published in due course.

1.3.2 The council constantly reviews its parking and enforcement policies to ensurethat we continue to improve the service we provide to the public. Improvementsalready completed include the new customer contact centre at Brixton Hill andchanges in the terms of the new parking enforcement contract to ensure fairtreatment of motorists.

1.3.3 To keep the local community and other interested parties abreast of these

changes the intention is that the council will publish this parking and enforcementreport each year.


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1.3.4 This firstAnnual Reportcovers changes and proposals since the financial year2006/07 and includes those that will be made up until April 2008, notably with theproposals for the introduction of emission-based charges for parking permits (seesection 2.3).

1.3.5 The council is committed to making its parking operation fairer. It is committedto being transparent about parking and enforcement activity for which it isaccountable and intends to publish the same core statistical and financial informationeach year. This will include the number of traffic and parking PCNs, i.e. tickets itissues, the income and expenditure on its parking account and how the parkingsurplus is spent. The council will also publish other up to date information, such asthe number of appeals made to the council, and comparative data with other Londonboroughs.

1.3.6 Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 consolidates the law regarding civilenforcement of parking, bus lane, moving traffic contraventions and other trafficcontraventions. Department for Transport (DfT) guidance to local authorities on civil

enforcement was published in July 2007 (Traffic Management Act 2004, StatutoryGuidance to Local Authorities on the Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions,DfT). The Act and guidance requires that local authorities produce an annual reporton their enforcement activities from April 2008.

This Lambeth report for 2007/08 is the first Annual report and is produced in advanceof the legislative requirements and complies with the DfT guidance. However wehave also included additional information and data to give a more comprehensivepicture and overview of the parking service in Lambeth.

1.4 Listening to community views on parking1.4.1 Parking matters are invariably contentious, with widely differing views oftenheld within the community. By listening to and taking account of these views, thecouncil aims to make its parking policies and practices fairer.

1.4.2 Parking was the subject of an all-party Parking Commission Scrutiny Panel,which took evidence between November 2003 and April 2004. The findings of thisScrutiny Panel were published in a report entitled Parking in Lambeth in May 2004.Evidence and contributions from the public, business, residents groups andindividuals greatly assisted the panel in identifying improvements in our parkingservices.

1.4.3 The council has an ongoing programme of new CPZ proposals and

amendments to existing schemes in the borough (section 2.9). The council willcontinue to consult residents and local businesses prior to considering whether or notto implement these changes.


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Whats new

2.1 The parking enforcement contractThe council has introduced changes to the 2007 contract to deliver the followingimprovements:

1. Fairer parking for all who visit, work and live in Lambeth.

2. In 2006 the council introduced changes to the parking enforcement contract. Wehave removed the financial incentives that led to complaints of tickets beingissued when they shouldnt have been. We have ensured that the emphasis ofthe revised contract is on the quality not the quantity of tickets issued soparking attendants have an incentive to treat motorists fairly.

3. As a result of these changes the emphasis of the revised contract is on thequality not the quantity of tickets issued. The new contract arrangements provideincentives for Parking Attendants (PAs) to treat motorists fairly. Their behaviour

will be carefully monitored to ensure they behave in a proper and consideratemanner. (N.B. changes in the TMA 2004 were introduced in March 2008 whichredesignated PAs as CEOs).

4. The contractor will be rewarded if PAs behave in a way that is helpful andrespectful towards motorists, but they will be penalised if attendants hand outtickets unfairly or are rude. Performance will be monitored by a number of othermeasures to ensure standards are maintained. These include measuring thenumber of visits made by attendants to individual streets.

5. The contract is carefully monitored to ensure it is working for residents and will befully reassessed when it comes up for renewal in 2008. We have also used

mystery shoppers to make sure that PAs are treating our customers in a friendlyand helpful manner.

These changes will be incorporated into the new contact which is due for re-tender in2008. (The enforcement contract was successfully re-tendered in 2008. The contractwas awarded to NCP Services (formerly NCP) and went live on 1 August 2008.Details of this change and an update on progress will be incorporated into the 2008Annual Parking Report).

2.2 The introduction of differential PCN charging2.2.1 The amount a council can charge for a parking or moving traffic PCN is

determined by London Councils, the body which represents all 33 boroughs inLondon (including the Corporation of London). The London Councils Transport andEnvironment Committee (TEC) decides on charge levels every four years. Whencharge levels are set by TEC they must then be agreed by the Mayor of London andratified by the Secretary of State. PCN charge levels are set to discouragecontraventions. Various factors are taken into account when setting charges, such aslocal traffic conditions, evidence about the effectiveness of charges and inflation.

The demand for road space and parking is more acute towards the centre of London,and hence PCN charges are generally higher in Central and Inner London. Except fora few boundary roads, PCN charges for Lambeth are in either Band A or B, reflectingthe boroughs variation and parking pressures. Band A includes roads in CPZs and

the north of the borough while the roads in the south which are also outside a CPZare in the lower Band B.


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2.2.2 PCN charge levels for parking and traffic contraventions have been criticisedfor not being proportionate to the contravention. For example, many consider thatcontraventions such as driving the wrong way down a one-way street are moreserious and should attract a higher fine than, say, overstaying in a pay and displaybay.

2.2.3 The council has supported the development of differential penalty charges fordifferent contraventions, as this will lead to enforcement practices being fairer andproportionate to the seriousness of the contravention.

The council considers that to be acceptable to the public, a system of differentialcharges must be fairer and seen to be reasonable by the public. It must also beunderstandable by motorists in order that compliance can be improved.

2.2.4 Last year London Councils consulted on behalf of itself and TfL on whether asystem of differential charges could be introduced for parking, bus lane and movingtraffic contraventions. Various options were put to the London boroughs. Research

was also undertaken on the publics view of introducing differential charges for PCNs.Lambeth responded to the consultation supporting the principle of differentialcharges.

2.2.5 Based on investigations undertaken by London Councils, TEC decided inDecember 2006 to introduce a two tier system of charges based on the charge levelsshown in table 2.1. The penalty for bus lane contraventions has been set at 120regardless of locations (i.e. Band A or B) with a 50% reduction for prompt paymentwithin 14 days. Recipients of PCNs can contest a PCN within 14 days withoutprejudicing their ability to pay at the reduced rate.

Table 2.1 - Two tier charge levels for PCNs implemented from July 2007

Band A Band B

Minor parking contraventions 80 60

More serious parking contraventions andmoving traffic contraventions (including buslane contraventions)

120 100

Band A - Charges apply to roads north of A205, South Circular and all CPZsBand B - Charges apply to roads south of A205, South CircularA discount of 50% will apply to the charges if paid within 14 days

2.2.6 Differential PCNs were introduced by all London boroughs and TfL from 1 July2007. Prior to this date all PCNs in Band A were 100. Under the new two tiersystem the charge for minor parking breaches has decreased to 80 or 60 while thecharge for more serious contraventions has increased in Band A to 120 with Band Bcharges remaining at 100 (all discounted by 50% if paid within 14 days).

2.2.7 The only difference between the categories that TEC decided to putcontraventions into compared to Lambeths own consultation results is that

contraventions of residents parking bays are treated as a serious contravention


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rather than as a minor breach. While this is disappointing Lambeth must enforce thesystem of differential charges that has been agreed by the Mayor of London.

2.2.8 Further details about how the new system of differential parking charges andgeneral information on parking operations and policies can be found on the councilwebsite at www.lambeth.gov.uk/parking

Further details on parking operations can be obtained by contacting parking servicesat the councils Customer Centres and one stop shops (see Section 2.4 for detailsand locations).


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2.3 The introduction of emission-based charges for residents parkingpermits2.3.1 Lambeth Council wants to encourage residents to think about the way they getaround and the impact that this has on climate change and air quality. Consequently,in July 2007 Lambeth introduced a new system of charging for residents parking

permits based on the emissions that cars produce. The interim Parking andEnforcement Plan consultation results supported higher resident permit charges forlarger vehicles.

2.3.2 The charges have been set at levels directly proportional to the CO2 emissionsthat vehicles produce. Charges are based on the principle that the polluter pays theminority whose cars are causing greater damage to the environment will be chargedproportionately more for their parking permits. We want to encourage residents totake sustainable transport modes such as walking, cycling or public transport to helptackle CO2 emissions, but when people do need to drive the new system will offerthem an incentive to switch to lower emission and electric cars if possible.

2.3.3 For vehicles registered on and after1 March 2001 the Government introduceda system of variable car tax (Vehicle Exercise Duty or VED) charges based on thelevel of CO2 produced. Vehicles with a higher amount of emissions measured ingrams of CO2 per kilometre (g/km) pay higher VED charges; those with loweremissions pay lower VED charges. The VED charges are placed in bands, the lowestbeing band A, the highest band G. For banded vehicles the g/km is given on thevehicle registration document, the V5 log book. Sometimes the band letter (A to G) isalso given. The new system of charges for residents parking permits is based onVED bands.

2.3.4 For vehicles registered before1 March 2001 which do not fit into DVLA bands,residents parking permit charges are based on engine size, since in general largerengines produce higher emissions.

2.3.5 The council has developed six tariff levels for residents parking permit chargeswith a discount level for residents within the congestion charging zone, as shown intable 2.2.

Table 2.2 - Price levels for emissions based resident parking permits (from July2007)

Outside the Congestion Zone

Lambeth PermitBand

1 2 3 4 5 6

CO2 EmissionsRating (g/km)

< 100 101-120 121-165 166-185 186-225 225 +

Cylinder Capacity < 1550 1550-3000 3000 +

Annual 30 100 115 130 160 200

6 month 17.50 52.50 60 67.50 82.50 102.50

3 month 11.25 28.75 32.50 36.25 43.70 53.75

Monthly 7.10 12.95 14.50 15.45 17.95 21.25


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Emissions (CO2 g/km)/Engine size (cc)

Inside the Congestion Zone

Lambeth PermitBand

1 2 3 4 5 6

CO2 EmissionsRating (g/km) < 100 101-120 121-165 166-185 186-225 225 +

Cylinder Capacity < 1550 1550-3000 3000 +

Annual 20 90 105 120 150 190

6 month 15 50 57.50 65 80 100

3 month 10.60 28.10 31.85 35.60 43.10 53.10

Monthly 7 12.85 14.10 15.35 17.85 21.15

Emissions (CO2 g/km)/Engine size (cc)

2.4 Customer services, parking shops and customer centres2.4.1 In order to improve customer service the council has opened two customercentres as one stop shops for all council services including parking. The newcentres are an example of 21

stcentury customer service where everyday chores

are made as simple as possible by utilising technology and facilities that put theneeds of the customer first. One of our priorities is to make all dealings with thecouncil as customer friendly as we can.

2.4.2 The new Brixton Customer Centre in Olive Morris House opened in August2007, replacing the Brixton parking shop. The new centre maintains and extends allof the services that were previously available at the Brixton Parking Shop. There arefacilities at the new centre to pay parking tickets and make other queries online, aswell as face to face.

2.4.3 The Kennington parking shop at Lambeth Towers remains open and theGracefield Gardens Customer Centre replaced the Streatham Contact Centre.Location maps and opening hours of the parking shop and customer centres areavailable on the Lambeth website at www.lambeth.gov.uk/parking

2.5 Lambeth car parksThe council operates three public car parks; in Brixton, Streatham and WestNorwood. Car park locations and contact details for parking operations are availableon the council website at www.lambeth.gov.uk/parking

2.6 Changes to vehicle removal policies and cessation of clampingFollowing a review of our firm but fair approach to parking, routine clamping ofvehicles on Lambeth's roads ceased on 1 April 2008. Unless dealing with persistentparking ticket evaders in extreme circumstances, the council felt that clamping doesnot fit into the firm but fair parking culture that we are working hard to establish. In themost serious cases - where vehicles are causing an obstruction or are parked

dangerously - the council will still retain the power to remove the vehicles to the carpound.


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Clamping will also continue on Lambeth housing estate roads to ensure tenants arenot affected by carelessly parked vehicles.

2.7 Partners in ParkingThe Partners in Parking (PiP) project is a new approach to parking operations

initiated by central London boroughs and Transport for London. The initial projectwas funded by the London Centre for Excellence and comprised of seven centralLondon boroughs, City of Westminster (lead), Camden, Islington, Lambeth, City ofLondon, Kensington and Chelsea and Transport for London.

PiP has commenced work in two areas:

Harmonising and updating parking technologies, services and practicesacross councils and TfL.

Making savings through grouped procurements whereby increased buyingpower secures larger volume discounts than any one council could achieveby itself.

The aim and objective of PiP is that by working collaboratively local authorities canharmonise systems, controls and practices and have greater buying power as agroup. The aim is to promote a harmonised approach as far as possible in order tomake parking policies easier to understand for drivers.

PiP has driven forward new specifications and requirements for on street pay anddisplay machines, and following successful street trials in Lambeth and Westminster,a framework contact has been established to enable all PiP Partners to benefit fromthe new chip and pin machines and share the discount savings from the jointprocurement contracts. Further framework contracts are being developed, including

stationary printing and mobile phone facilities for cashless parking operations.Harmonisation of parking policies and practise has also been developed for dealingwith persistent evaders, Blue Badge fraud, bailiff services and debt recovery.Lambeth is an active and founder member of PiP which has now expanded to 12London Authorities with more interest expressed from new partners across allEnglish parking authorities.

PiP has been formally constituted as a legal entity under a Partnership Agreement,which was approved by London Councils and the founder partners. PiP is nowoperated under a cross council partnership board of elected members which issupported and advised by an officer management committee and a number of projectgroups delivering the individual projects.

2.8 Introduction of Chip and PIN pay and display machinesFollowing Lambeths successful participation in the PiP Chip and PIN pay and displaymachine pilot trials in July 2007, these new generation machines have been installedon street in the Waterloo CPZ and we are in the process of replacing all lollypopmeters throughout the borough with the Chip and PIN machines.

Chip and PIN pay and display machines allow drivers the added convenience ofusing their debit or credit card to pay for their pay and display ticket. The machinesare solar powered and more flexible in location as they do not require an electricalconnection. These machines have improved security and are less likely to betargeted by thieves because they do not carry as much money as the current pay

and display machines. Cash payments will still be accepted for those motorists whodo not wish to use debit or credit cards.


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The new Parkeon Chip and PIN pay and display machines are solarpowered with improved security. They are more convenient forcustomers and replace the older adjacent model.

2.9 CPZ arrangements and reviews in the borough2.9.1 There are twelve controlled parking zones (CPZs) across the whole of theborough and the hours of operation and controls vary depending on local needsidentified in their own consultation exercises. Several zones have sub-areas which

have their own hours of control. Further details of the CPZs in Lambeth can be foundon the council website at www.lambeth.gov.uk/parking

2.9.2 In recent years Lambeths CPZs have tended to become more complex throughthe use of sub-areas and buffer zones. This complexity was introduced to meet localcommunities requirements. Although the zoning arrangements may appearcomplicated they have been tailored to solve particular problems in the areasconcerned, based on local peoples knowledge and views about their parkingconditions and requirements.

2.9.3 During 2006/07 a number of the CPZs were reviewed and where appropriateand following local consultation, these have been implemented. Particular reviews

carried out since 2006/07 include:

Thornton R extension

Kennington K - sub zone extension

Poets Corner P at Herne Hill

A review of the waiting restriction located outside Gypsy Hill Station followinga nearby redevelopment

The ongoing programme of disabled bay installations (or removals whererequested). In 2007 approx 200 new disabled parking bays were installed.


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Statistics, financial information, reviews andmonitoring

3.1 The number of PCNs issued from 2004/05 to 2006/7 by contravention

type

3.1.1 Table 3.1 gives details on the number of PCNs issued each year from 2004/5 to2006/7, divided into the following categories:-

Those relating to parking, enforced by Parking Attendants and by CCTV

Bus lane contraventions

Moving traffic contraventions

3.1.2 Table 3.1 shows that the number of parking contraventions peaked in 2006/7.However the bus lane contraventions have fallen since 2004/05 as compliance has

improved. PCNs for moving traffic contraventions (MTC) increased significantly in2006/07, the first full year of enforcement, with the introduction of the mobile CCTVcameras.

The council would like to see the level of compliance improve and the number ofPCNs reduced and will be aiming to achieving this in 2008/09. The council supportsthe introduction of differential charging for PCNs (section 2.2) as this should producea fairer system of parking enforcement and assist the further improve compliancewith parking regulations. The number of vehicles clamped should also fallsignificantly following the decision to cease clamping activity which will beimplemented in April 2008.

Table 3.1 - Number of PCNs issued by contravention including clamped andremoved vehicles

2004/05 2005/06 2006/07

Parking243,667 255,066 260,336

Bus Lane65,907 36,938 27,895

Moving Traffic0 2,574 28,358

Total - All PCNs309,574 294,578 316,589

Vehicles Clamped6,689 7,177 7,552

Vehicles Removed8,320 8,856 9,464


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0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

2004/05 2005/06 2006/07

Parking Bus lane Moving Traffic Total - All PCNs


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3.2 Bus lanes, moving traffic and CCTV enforcement3.2.1 Lambeth introduced the enforcement of bus lanes using 11 CCTV cameras inAugust 2003. Although the number of cameras used to enforce bus lanes hasincreased in subsequent years, the number of bus lane PCNs reached a high point in20040/5 and has decreased thereafter, indicating that compliance with bus lane

regulations has improved. The role of CCTV enforcement in improving compliance iskey. This is because the photographic record of the infringement makes it less likelythat people will contest that contraventions took place. As a result the PCN recoveryrate the percentage of PCNs that are paid has risen. This means that compliancewith bus lanes has improved and that buses operate more efficiently and effectivelyin carrying passengers to their destinations.

3.2.2 Lambeth took up powers and started to enforce moving traffic contraventions(MTCs) in November 2005. MTCs are enforced entirely by using CCTV camerafootage. The council operates the CCTV cameras in accordance with LondonCouncils CCTV Code of Practice. Most CCTV cameras are located in fixed positions,but Lambeth also operate an additional 3 mobile CCTV units.

The number of MTC PCNs has been growing annually, as have the number ofcameras deployed, but there is not a simple relationship between them since CCTVcameras are used for a variety of purposes. The mobile units are used on a rovingbasis where enforcement action is required, including enforcement of parkingcontraventions relating to the school run.

3.2.3 Compliance with MTCs has improved assisted by the use of CCTVenforcement. The use of mobile enforcement units has been particularly effectivein changing behaviour patterns and improving road safety at locations that werepreviously experiencing high levels of non compliance.

Smart Car - Mobile CCTV enforcement vehicle


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3.3 Photographic records of contraventions3.3.1 Bus lanes and moving traffic contraventions are enforced using CCTV cameras(section 3.2). Additionally, we have used CCTV to record some on-street parkingcontraventions since July 2003. In 2006/07, over 30% of parking contraventions were

captured using CCTV cameras.

Also, since August 2003, all of our on street parking attendants have been equippedwith a digital camera to take photographs of each contravention they observe. AParking Attendant will take pictures before and after the PCN is printed to clearlyshow that a contravention had occurred. This helps the appeals staff to respond toqueries regarding PCN issues.

3.3.2 Photographs were introduced to show the contravention that had occurred andshow the relevant signs and road markings that are in place. While accompanyingphotographs are desirable, they are additional to the pocket book notes made at thetime and were introduced as an initiative to provide transparency. The notes are

legally sufficient and we will always rely on the accuracy of the notes made by theParking Attendant.

3.3.3 In 2006/07 over 95% of parking PCNs were recorded with a photograph takenby the parking attendant to corroborate the contravention and reduce the number ofdisputes and challengesto PCNs. However it is not always possible for ParkingAttendants to take photographs when issuing a PCN. For example, there areinstances when the vehicle is driven away before they can be taken.

3.4PCN recovery rates3.4.1 PCN recovery rate has improved substantially over the last two financial years.

Since payments are not received immediately, recovery rate increases over time.Average recovery rate for 2006/07 was 60.4%, against a target rate of 61.2% and theanticipated average recovery rate for 2007/8 is 64%.

The recovery rate for normal PCNs is 60% but for bus lane and moving trafficoffences this increases to over 75% demonstrating the effectiveness of recordedimages using CCTV.

3.4.2 There are two factors that helped to improve recovery rates since late 2006.Since August 2003 all parking attendants have been supplied with digital cameras;this provides proof of the contravention and reduces the likelihood of disputes withthe owner of the vehicle.

3.4.3 At the same time the council introduced a new parking managementinformation system (ICPS). This automatically sends out the requisite PCNs andNotice to Owners (NTOs) and enables the council to progress cases more efficiently.The system can also alert PAs (via their hand held computers) to the presence of apersistent evader so that appropriate enforcement action can be undertaken,possibly involving the removal of the vehicle. Changes in legislation coming intoeffect in 2008, together with new systems and procedures being developed with PiPand London Councils to exchange details on persistent evaders, will enable moreeffective and cross borough enforcement in this area.

3.5 Fraud DetectionIn April 2006 the council set up a dedicated team within Lambeth Parking to deal withall areas of parking fraud. This team is dedicated to the increasing problem of the


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fraudulent and criminal activity in cloning and reselling of parking permits and BlueBadges.

The Fraud Team carries out a number of detailed investigations each year withinterviews where suspects are cautioned that legal proceedings may be pursued.Prosecutions at the magistrates court are instigated if evidence warrants this.

Suspect vehicles can be removed to the car pound and permits and documentsretained if there are reasonable grounds for believing there may be fraudulent use ofa permit.

Issue of PCNs and removal of vehicles only takes place once fraudulent use of abadge or permit has been established following a detailed investigation of the case.The retaining of the relevant badge or permit at the car pound prevents furthermisuse of that document. London Councils are currently piloting a database schemeto share the information across all London boroughs on Blue Badges and reduce thescale and extent of this fraudulent activity.

3.6The incidence of clamping and removal of vehicles

The numbers of vehicles clamped and removed are shown in Table 3.1. Thenumber of vehicles in each of these categories has continued to increase up to2006/07. However the numbers of vehicles clamped will decrease significantlysince the council agreed to cease clamping activity from April 2008.

The number of vehicles clamped as a percentage of all PCNs has been steadilyfalling since 2002/03, and fell sharply on the ending of widespread clamping inSeptember 2006. Likewise the number of removed vehicles is expected to fallsharply with the policy changes in 2007/08.


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3.7 Financial statistics

3.7.1 Within the councils budgeting processes and procedures the parking accountis a memorandum account, which is set up and collated from the councils accounts.It is necessary to set up the parking account in this way since any surplus generatedcan only spent on certain allowable transport, parking, and highways relatedactivities, as specified by law, and accounted for separately in the councils accountsto show transparency.

The income and expenditure on the Parking Account for the last three years ispresented in table 3.2.

Table 3.2 - Parking Account - Income and Expenditure

2004/05Income ()

2005/06Income ()

2006/07Income ()

Parking meters/pay and display 2,457 2,838 2,866

Parking permits 2,065 2,308 2,311

Clamping and removal 1,626 1,752 1,901

Penalty Charge Notices 12,736 11,683 13,486

Other income 415 817 1,230

Total income 19,299 19,398 21,794

Total expenditure 11,129 13,202 13,241

Surplus for the year 8,170 6,196 8,553

3.7.2 Parking account income and expenditureThe total expenditure stated in table 3.2 relates to direct expenditure incurred inrunning the services that generate the parking account income. The incomecategories relate to the following:

Parking meters/pay and display machines

Income from parking permits issued to Lambeth residents

Income from parking permits issued to businesses, doctors, visitors,market traders, and income from issue of miscellaneous permits

Clamping and removals income from the penalty fees from clampingvehicles and the removal of cars to the car pound and storage feeswhile at the pound


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Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) income from fines from parkingtickets issued to drivers who commit parking and moving trafficcontraventions (including bus lane contraventions)

Other income this is a variety of income that falls outside the otherparking account categories, e.g. the grant from TfL for the Persistent

Evader Scheme in 2004/05.

3.7.3 Although the level charge for permits and pay and display operations are setby Lambeth Council, the level of Penalty Charge Notices and clamping and removalfees are set externally by London Councils with the Mayor of Londons approvaland ratified by the Secretary of State (section 2.2).

Table 3.2 shows the highest proportion of income is derived from PCNs. Therelatively high proportion of income from short term parking (from pay and displayand meter bays) reflects the demand for these facilities, in particular in the north ofthe borough as this area is located in central London.

3.7.4 Changes that have occurred to income levels over this period are due toseveral factors:

Penalty charge, clamping and removal fees are reviewed and potentiallychanged every four years (by London Councils). These were increased in2003/04 and changed again in July 2007 to the new differential based charge(see section 2.2).

The range of parking and traffic contraventions that the council enforces hasincreased over this period (section 3.2) so PCN numbers have increased,reaching a peak level in 2006/07.

Recovery rates for PCNs have improved in recent years (section 3.4). PCNnumbers fell by 5% between 2004/05 and 2005/06 but then increased bysome 8.6% between 2005/06 and 2006/07.

PCN income increased by 15.43 % reflecting an improved payment andrecovery rate.

At the end of each financial year there are a large number of PCNs that havebeen issued but have not been paid. We make a prudent estimate of theincome we expect to receive in relation to these tickets and include the figurein the accounts for Parking Services in the year in which the PCNs were

issued. Accounts need to be closed three months after the end of the financialyear. If the amount actually collected is different to that estimated then anadjustment is made in the subsequent financial year. Since PCN paymentscan occur later than after year close, then the accounts for PCN revenues inthe previous financial year are necessarily estimated.

3.8 Parking income application of surplus3.8.1 Table 3.4 shows how the parking surplus identified in table 3.3 is spent. Thecouncil can decide how to spend any surplus that may arise, within the allowableuses set by law. What are deemed to be allowable uses have changed over time asnew Acts of Parliament have been passed, hence the relatively recent inclusion of

categories of spend highways maintenance and home to school transport. Undercurrent legislation the application of any surplus is limited to meeting the cost ofproviding and maintaining parking facilities, highways improvement schemes,


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highway maintenance, public passenger transport services and certain othercategories. Any amount not so used may be carried forward in a parking reserveaccount to the next financial year.

3.8.2 Table 3.3 only presents the relevant expenditure in each category up to the

amount of the surplus for each year. The surplus only makes a contribution to thesebudget heads, the rest of which comes from other sources. Explanations of allowablerelevant expenditure for these categories are as follows:

Highway Capital expenditure, structural maintenance including footways andcarriageways and aids to movement. This relates to the highway and trafficimprovement expenditure and the debt charge and contributes towardsmaintaining Lambeths public highways. It covers items such as thecontractors and clients project management costs for operating the highwaypartnering contract, the public lighting contract, gully cleaning contract, gullyrepairs and maintenance, traffic management and control and makingcontributions to improvements such as pedestrian crossings, cycling facilities

and upgrades to the walking environment.

Concessionary fares (Freedom Pass) and Taxicard scheme.

Transport planning and road safety costs. This relates to transport planningactivities such as the project management of road safety projects, urbanrealm improvements, town centre improvements, preparation of the plans andstrategies such as the Walking Plan, Cycling Plan and Streetscape DesignManual, school travel planning, travel plans, and other such activitiesfacilitating the implementation of the Mayor of Londons Transport Strategy.

Lighting excluding PFI and energy costs. This relates to the maintenance ofstreet lighting not covered by the PFI and lighting in the councils car parks.


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Table 3.3 - Parking income and expenditure - application of surplus

2004/05()

2005/06()

2006/07()

Income 19,299 19,398 21,794

Expenditure 11,129 13,202 13,241

Surplus for the year 8,170 6,196 8,553

Concessionary fares 2,500 2,500 2,500

Road safety 200 199 213

Highways capital expenditure 1,641 1,046 2,855

Structural maintenance includingfootways and carriageways

2,514 1,780 1,455

Transport planning 364 440 355

Aids to movement, furniture andfittings

177 170 196

Lighting excluding PFI and energycosts

744 50 77

Repairs and maintenance 30 11 14

Repayment of previous years - - 883

Surplus/deficit for year 0 0 5

Total expenditure from parking surplus 8,170 6,196 8,553

3.9 Statistics on appeals and related information3.9.1 Table 3.4 gives the results of parking appeals considered by Londons

independent adjudicators, the Parking and Traffic Appeals Service (PATAS) andthe data is derived wholly from PATAS own statistics drawn from reports on itswebsite. Data is given up to the latest information available for 2006/07.

3.9.2 The number of appeals allowed refers to cases found against the council.The number of appeals refused refers to cases found against the appellant.

3.9.3 The table shows the percentage of appeals allowed and found against thecouncil for parking contraventions has remained at the same level at around70%. In 2006/07, for instance, Lambeth had the 27

thlowest percentage of

appeals allowed of the 34 authorities in London (all 33 London boroughs and TfL)

which was an improvement on the 2005/06 position of 34

th

. Our performance on


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bus lane contraventions was closer to the London average at 49% appealsallowed.

3.9.4 The statistics also show that our percentage of PCNs going to appeal wascomparable with the London average. The relatively low number of cases goingto appeal reflects the councils success in resolving matters at an early stage

when representations are made to the council about tickets issued.


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Table 3.4 - PATAS statistics for Lambeth and London Authorities with PCN numbers

% of Cases going to AppealAllowed

% of PCNgoing to

Appeal

Rank in London

Year

Appealsallow

ed

Appealsrefused

InLambeth

AllLondon

Authorities

Num

ber

Out

of

Lambeth

London

04/05 2346 934 72% 60% N/A N/A N/A N/A

05/06 2184 940 70% 56% 32 34 1.22 1.13

Parking

06/07 1601 690 70% 58% 27 34 0.88 1

04/5 143 159 47% 43% N/A N/A N/A N/A

05/06 106 109 49% 40% 17 26 0.54 0.54

BusLanes

06/07 65 69 49% 46% 14 25 0.48 0.45

04/5 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A n/a

05/06 1 0 100% 56% 9 11 0.04 0.23

Moving

Traffic

06/07 145 47 76% 57% 12 18 0.68 0.22

3.10 Performance statistics relating to Lambeths enforcementcontracts, and parking attendants safety3.10.1 The council operates a parking enforcement contract with APCOA (from 2003-2008) across the borough for the provision of the following services; parkingattendants, clamping, removal, abandoned vehicles, housing estates, CCTVenforcement, suspensions and responses to challenge correspondence.The contract with APCOA expires in July 2008 and has been retendered and a newcontractor, NCP Services, will be taking over these enforcement services from

August 2008.

3.10.2 In December 2006 the council introduced changes to the APCOA contact toremove the financial incentives and replace them with a qualitative incentive schemeso that parking attendants have to treat motorist fairly. The contact is carefullymonitored to ensure it is working for residents. The new contact due to commence in2008 has been reviewed and reassessed and these qualitative measuresincorporated into it.

The council uses the following nine Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor theperformance of the enforcement contract:

KPI 1 - Daytime deployment hours KPI 2 - Night time deployment hours


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KPI 3 - Clamp and removal deployment - units

KPI 4 - Patrol compliance street visits

KPI 5 - Discount payment rate

KPI 6 - PA errors

KPI 7 - HHC uploads

KPI 8- Regulation compliance - beat

KPI 8 - Regulation compliance - driven KPI 9 - PA duty compliance

Table 3.5 - KPIs for Lambeths parking enforcement contract 2007

Performance Measurement

KPIProfit

WeightingDescription

GoodResult

BetterResults

Average Result2007 %

1 10%Daytime deployment hours

+/-5%close to0 6%

2 10%Night time deployment -hours

+/-5%close to0 75%

3 10%Clamp and removaldeployment - units

+/-5%close to0 35%

4 40%Patrol compliance -street visits

+/-10%close to0 -21%

5 10% Discount payment rate45.5-46.5%

>46.5%45%

6 20% PA errors =0-76%

9 10% PA duty compliance +/-10% >10%3%

3.10.3 Regrettably, parking attendants are subject to high levels of abuse and

assault, both verbal and physical, while carrying out their duties. In order to providesupport to PAs our contractor has implemented an alarm system that can be sent bypersonal radio to their control room.

Code red indicates that a PA either has been subjected to a physical assaultor feels that it is imminent. If a Code Red is broadcast all PAs and mobileunits in the area will move to provide support to the threatened PA.

If code yellow is sent by a PA it indicates that he or she is being subjected toan intense verbal assault that could become physical. PAs are encouraged todistance themselves from the person who is abusing them at this point.

3.10.4 The statistics shown in table 3.6 show that the incidence of physical andverbal assault has fallen sharply in 2007 compared to 2006.


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All acts of abuse or assault on enforcement staff are unacceptable and Lambeth andits contractors treats them with the utmost seriousness and will pursue criminalprosecutions for all offences against parking staff whether they are employed by thecouncil or its contractors.

Table 3.6 - Annual statistics on parking attendants safety

Actual

2006 2007

Code RedStats 102 56

Code YellowStats 29 17

3.11Traffic flow and parking enforcement3.11.1 Managing the road network in London is challenging given that there is a finite

supply of road space and kerb space. Demand for the use of this space for movingtraffic, for servicing and for parking considerably exceeds capacity in many parts ofLondon, especially in the inner areas.

3.11.2 Lambeth, particularly the northern half of the borough being located adjacentto central London, experiences some of the worst congestion in Britain. Parking andenforcement policies offer an important and effective means of managing demand,as the extent, location and cost of parking have major implications for traffic levels,traffic congestion, the efficiency of public transport services and the health of thelocal economy. Parking controls are therefore an important component of widerdemand management techniques that restrain traffic.

3.11.3 The introduction of CPZs has resulted in a reduction of traffic and on streetcommuter parking as our parking beat surveys demonstrate.

3.12 Road safety3.12.1 Lambeth has achieved a continuing reduction in road casualties throughout

2007. Details of the casualty rates and targets are set out in table 3.7 below.Lambeth continues to adopt a wide ranging approach to casualty reduction in theborough involving education, training and publicity programmes, engineeringmeasures and the full use of our enforcement powers. Further details are given inLambeths Local Implementation Plan and in particular the Road Safety Plan.

3.12.2 The continuing expansion of 20mph zones around the borough, combinedwith the use of speed humps, speed indicators and increased cycle lanes has been afactor in reducing the numbers of people killed or seriously injured (KSIs) on Lambethroads, especially the most vulnerable (i.e. pedestrians, children and older people).

Mini-campaigns outside schools encouraging parents to park further away from theschool entrance, in partnership with Safer Neighbourhood Teams, along with theincreasing number of Lambeth schools with school travel plans have contributed to areduction in congestion outside schools. This has made the environment safer forchildren on their journey to and from school. Twenty Lambeth schools are nowparticipating in the Junior Road Safety Officer scheme, which encourages Year 5 and6 children to promote road safety messages in their schools.


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3.12.3 The two areas where our figures are not showing substantial improvementsare KSIs for motorcyclists and pedal cyclists. The latter two problems are not limitedto Lambeth but faced by all London boroughs and the rise in collisions involving acyclist or motorbike rider reflects the substantial increase in people using thesemodes of travel in London over the last few years. These are our priority areas in thecoming year. We will be doing further work with them to raise the awareness of lorry

drivers about the needs of cyclists on the road. Lambeth is also in the process ofsetting up a focus group to look into the specific problems faced by motorbike ridersand how to address these to improve safety.

3.12.4 Lambeth enforces its parking and traffic regulations vigorously in an even-handed way so as to improve compliance with regulations, which in turn has ageneral beneficial impact on road safety. Badly parked cars, for example on streetcorners, can pose safety hazards, while enforcing bus lanes has the effect ofreducing conflicts between buses and other road traffic. Enforcing moving trafficcontraventions has obvious road safety benefits, and these can be very localised innature such as enforcing one ways. Under the new system of differential penaltycharges, moving traffic contraventions involve the higher penalty charge rate as an

explicit address to safety concerns (section 2.2).

3.12.5 Lambeth was well on progress to meet the Mayors original 2010 casualtyreduction targets by 2004. Tougher targets were introduced in 2004 and are set outin table 3.7 below.

Lambeth remains on course to meet all the new 2010 targets. In 2006 and 2007there were no child fatalities and only 14 casualties. We have already exceeded the2010 KSI childrens casualties target of a 60% reduction to 22 with an overallreduction of 69% to 14 casualties. Despite a continued fall in motorcycle casualtiesthis group remains the most difficult to influence in London, although we are makingsteady progress towards this target. Reductions in motorcyclists and pedestrian

casualties were achieved against a background of rising numbers of both onLambeths streets.

Table 3.7 - Lambeth road casualty statistics and targets

Casualty Type

Baseline(1994-

1998average) 2006

Prov2007

TargetNos by

2010

% Targetreduction

Mayor &(DfT)

%Reduction

by end2006

%Reduction

by end2007

KSI Total 313 195 180 156 50% (40%) 38% 42%

Pedestrians 124 68 63 62 50% 45% 49%

Children 45 20 14 22 60% (50%) 56% 69%

Cyclists 36 27 36 18 50% 26% 0%

Motorcyclists 51 55 44 26 40% +7% 14%

Slightcasualties 1832 1038 927 1648 25% (10%) 43% 49%


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3.13 Air quality3.13.1 Air pollution is an important environmental issue in Lambeth. Despite thereduction in motorised traffic in the borough over the last decade (section 3.11) thecouncils monitoring of air quality has shown that Lambeth has exceeded theGovernments health based air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide and particulate

matter. This is because Lambeth cannot be isolated from the wider pollution effectsof being situated in the centre of one of Europes largest conurbations, and thebroader influence of levels of pollution originating elsewhere in Britain and Europe.Poor air quality is also a serious issue for Lambeths neighbouring authorities.

3.13.2 The borough continues to suffer from high levels of fine particles (PM10) andNitrogen Dioxide (NO2). Although roadside Nitrogen Dioxide levels show some signsof improvement the 2006 data points to possible increasing levels borough wide.

Road traffic continues to be the primary cause of air pollution in London and inLambeth over 90% of all air pollution is caused by road vehicles. Vehicle pollutants ofgreatest concern are Nitrogen Dioxide, Fine Particles (PM10), Carbon Monoxide andVolatile Organic Compounds such as Benzene and 1, 3-Butadiene. Ozone is also apollutant of some concern.

3.13.3 Road transport is responsible for 85% of carbon dioxide emissions in theborough, with cars contributing the largest proportion of emissions. Carbon dioxide isa green house gas responsible for global warming and driving climate change, and itis intended that the councils emission-based charging policy for residents permits(section 2.3) and its policy of encouraging the use of electric vehicles will helpaddress this issue, in conjunction with other measures, including car clubs toencourage a mode shift to public transport, walking and cycling (as discussed inLambeths Local Implementation Plan).

3.13.4 Fuel efficiency and vehicle size are important characteristics that influenceexhaust emissions. Measures to encourage people to use more fuel efficient andsmaller vehicles will benefit both air quality and climate change.

3.13.5 Air Quality Assessment and Review 2006In 2001 Lambeth declared an initial Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) for thenorthern part of the borough for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) (both the annual mean andhourly mean objectives were found to be regularly breached) as well as particulatematter (PM10) (24 hour objective only). By 2003 it had became clear that predictedimprovements in motor vehicle engine emission technology were unlikely to give thebenefits originally anticipated.

In 2003 Lambeth undertook its Stage 4 Review and Assessment of local air qualitywhich indicated a likelihood of national air quality objectives continuing to beexceeded. As a result the whole of the Lambeth borough area was declared anAQMA (for the NO2 annual mean objective only).


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GlossaryThis glossary provides:

The full title to common acronyms used through the document.

Definitions of technical terms used.

ALG Association of London Government, now known as LondonCouncils.

Annual Report This is the abbreviated name for this document, the AnnualParking and Enforcement Report.

Bands (for PCNs) PCN levels for Lambeth are in the highest Band A for all roadsin CPZs and those north of the South Circular (A205) Theremaining Roads south of the South Circular are in the lowerBand B.

CCTV Closed Circuit Television relates to the camera andassociated technology that may be used for surveillance andenforcement purposes.

CC Charge Certificate

CPZ Controlled Parking Zone. A number of public highways inLambeth are covered by CPZs in which parking is regulatedwithin certain controlled hours. The hours of control varybetween CPZs, and in some CPZs there are sub-areas withtheir own hours of control. The hours and days of control inCPZs and sub-areas have been developed to meet local

community needs following detailed consultation.

Contravention This refers to a breach of parking, bus lane and certain movingtraffic regulations. This was formerly referred to as an offencewhen regulations were enforced by the Police. All Londontraffic authorities the London boroughs, the City of Londonand Transport for London (TfL) have taken up enforcement ofcertain moving traffic contraventions (see Appendix 1), thoughan increasing number of authorities are doing so. Other trafficoffences, such as speeding and dangerous driving, are stillenforced by the Police.

Decriminalisation This is the process whereby local authorities take upenforcement powers from the Police. Lambeth has taken uppowers to enforce parking, bus lanes and certain moving trafficcontraventions (such as banned moves).

EN Enforcement Notice

Enforcement In this document enforcement activity by the council coversthat of parking controls and decriminalised trafficcontraventions (enforcement of bus lanes and of moving traffic

offences).


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GLA Greater London Authority. This was formed in 2000 by theGreater London Authority Act 1999.

KPI Key Performance Indicator

KSI Killed and seriously injured this relates to annual roadcasualties.

London Councils This body represents the interests of local government inLondon, comprising nominated representatives, with a smallspecialist staff. It is responsible for the parking adjudicationservice, and administration of the London lorry ban.

MTCs Moving Traffic Contraventions

NTO Notice to Owner

PATAS Parking and Traffic Appeals Service

PA (CEO) Parking Attendant (n.b. TMA 2004 redesignated PAs as CivilEnforcement Officers (CEOs) from March 2008.

PCN Penalty Charge Notice

PiP Partners in Parking is a partnership of central Londonboroughs regarding parking matters see section 2.7.

Recovery rate The percentage of PCNs issued that have been paid. Nonpayment of PCNs may arise due to those receiving the PCN oras a consequence of the council not being able to obtain thekeeper details from the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle LicensingAgency).

Statemented pupils This relates to pupils with special education needs, whoseneeds are assessed by the council and described in astatement that sets out the special help they should receive.

TEC London Councils Transport and Environment Committee

(formerly ALG TEC).

TfL Transport for London, one of the bodies that the GLA and theMayor of London is responsible for.

TLRN Transport for London Road Network This is the GLA Roadnetwork as defined and brought into being by the GreaterLondon Authority Act 1999.

TMO Traffic Management Order. TMO is used as a generic term inthis report to cover any traffic management or traffic regulation

orders that are used to designate parking and traffic controls.


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Traffic Authority This has the same meaning as in the Road Traffic RegulationAct 1984. Local traffic authority (LTA) means a traffic authorityother than the Secretary of State or the National Assembly forWales i.e. The appropriate level of local government thatpertains to a particular area. In London each of the 33 Londonboroughs (including the Corporation of London) is the TLA for

borough roads. TfL is the LTA for the Transport for LondonRoad Network - formally the Red route network.

VED Vehicle exercise duty the annual car tax.

LB Lambeth Jan 2009

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