Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Blackpool Parking Report 2008/2009
Blackpool Parking Report 2008/2009
1. Introduction
3. Parking Profile
4. Enforcement
5. Appeals
Appendices
1. Introduction
1.2 Blackpool Council became responsible for the implementation of both on and
off-street parking enforcement in November 2003. In addition to its own
previous responsibilities for off-street parking, Blackpool Council became
responsible for various parking restrictions on-street. These functions were
carried out under the provisions of the Road Traffic Act 1991 and was known
as Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE). On 31 March 2008, Civil
Parking Enforcement (CPE) replaced DPE functions under the provisions
contained in Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004. This introduced
variable charges relating to the type of parking contravention and, more
recently the ability to enforce some moving traffic offences such as drive aways
and parking on a dropped kerb/ double parking (i.e. one vehicle parking
alongside another).
1.3 Waiting Restrictions are introduced after much consideration and are intended
primarily to improve road safety and maintain traffic flow, assisting both
pedestrians and road users. We aim to facilitate both residents in the town and
local businesses, as well as our visitors.
1.4 These restrictions are made by way of Traffic Regulation Orders formulated by
the Council.
1.5 Blackpool Council car parks are also covered by regulations and these are
operated as Pay and Display or Pay on Foot facilities.
2.1 The current Parking Service was established in 2003, under decriminalised
arrangements to ensure effective, efficient and economic enforcement of
parking regulations throughout Blackpool in accordance with the appropriate
legislation and government guidance.
There is a clear requirement for both on and off-street functions to be
separately accountable and careful planning and management are essential to
achieve this.
The Service aims to help deliver the Council's objectives as set out in its
approved corporate, parking and transport strategies.
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 through
close involvement with the Council’s Traffic Management Department and
liaison with the Police and Fire Services.
2.4 The Council's Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) provide a service which is fair
and even-handed, and one that acts as a deterrent to drivers who would
normally 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 6’353
spaces. 248 of these spaces are designated for disabled drivers (plus
unlimited spaces for disabled drivers on an unmarked car park with a
capacity of 400 vehicles).
112 of these spaces are designated for coaches as well as a newly
developed ‘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 Council
website (www.blackpool.gov.uk).
3.2 On-Street
On street enforcement is carried across the borough in all areas where
designated Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) exist.
There are approximately 470 Pay and Display bays throughout the town
centre 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 website
detailed above.
4. Enforcement
4.1 Enforcement is covered by approximately 10 Civil Enforcement
Officers (CEO’s) per shift (inclusive of two used for cash collection and one
designated Dispatcher). This number will decrease out of season during
quieter times.
Staff deployment is currently undertaken in shifts using a system of "beats" to cover areas
where enforcement is carried out. All beats are patrolled as often as possible, resources
allowing, 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 are
CEO’s paid a bonus for the number they issue.
4.3 However, work rates are monitored and in the interest of fairness CEO’s are
expected to issue PCN’s when they see a contravention.
5 Appeals
5.1 Motorists who have been issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) and who wish to
contest it have the option to do so. All contact details are available on the reverse of
the 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 then
has the opportunity to make representations to the Council.
5.3 If such representations are rejected, motorists may then formally appeal to the Traffic
Penalty Tribunal (TPT) where an independent adjudicator will hear the case. Appeals
can be heard in person, by post, and now by telephone, which provides more
convenience to the appellant and speeds up the process.
Income breakdown
Total……………………………………………………….. 5201,495
Expenditure……………………………………………….. 4647,911
Surplus……………………………………………………... 553,584
Total…………………………………………………………. 1894,553
Expenditure…………………………………………………. 221,438
Surplus………………………………………………………. 1673,115
Appendix B