Telford traffic wardens takeover demand

Conservative councillors on the council have called for it to assume civil parking enforcement powers from West Mercia Police.

At the moment it is one of only 21 councils in the country that does not yet have the powers.

Councillor Eric Carter has raised a notice of motion to be heard at Telford & Wrekin's full council meeting next week. He said Telford & Wrekin should follow other councils, including Shropshire, in organising its own traffic wardens.

The job of issuing tickets to motorists in Telford is currently in the hands of police or community officers.

But the council could apply for a civil parking enforcement order.

That would enable it to target problem areas, potentially increasing the number of tickets issued to motorists each year – and allowing the council to keep any fines that are issued.

Councillor Carter said the council is in a better place to monitor problem parking, which will leave the police able to investigate more serious crimes.

It has been seconded by Councillor Nicola Lowery, ward member for The Gorge.

Councils have been able to take on responsibility for parking wardens since 2004.

Telford & Wrekin is the only authority in the West Midlands that still relies on police to issue tickets. It means motorists often escape punishment because officers are busy on other duties.

Councillor Carter said Telford & Wrekin Council has previously refused to take on extra powers citing cost pressures.

But he added: "We need to assume these powers from the police.

"The council is better positioned to clamp down on parking contraventions than the police who have more serious crimes to be looking into.

"Currently, minimal civil parking enforcement is taking place leaving drivers free to ignore parking restrictions. Not only is this disrespectful to other road users and those parking legally, but it can on occasion raise safety concerns – especially for parents with pushchairs and disabled people in wheelchairs or with walking aids."

Councillor Lowery said: "A limited number of parish and town councils have carried out enforcement with specially sanctioned PCSOs. But this is not financially sustainable long-term.

"Telford & Wrekin Council also provides additional PCSOs but plan to cease funding these in 2017. It is therefore imperative that the council develops a satisfactory and viable business case to address residents' concerns to ensure effective parking enforcement within our borough.

"It is apparent that from Newport in the north of our borough to Ironbridge in the south, residents need the local authority to tackle irresponsible parking on our roads.

"It is essential Telford & Wrekin Council adopt civil parking enforcement to ensure safe parking for the betterment of our residents."