Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Miss J Molyneaux and C Snow.

Members of the Panel are reminded of their responsibility to declare any personal interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2000, the Council’s Constitution and the Members Code of Conduct.  If the personal interest is a prejudicial interest, then the individual Member should not participate in a discussion on the matter and must withdraw from the Council Chamber and not seek to influence a decision on the matter.

No interests were declared.

To discuss issues raised throughout the Inquiry and the draft recommendations with the Executive Member.  

The Panel discussed the issues raised throughout the Inquiry with the Executive Member for Traffic and Transportation, Councillor D Gee. 

In particular the Panel discussed the recommendations to improve communication regarding Decriminalisation of Parking Enforcement with the public and to give further information to Blue Badge holders.  An additional recommendation was discussed to support the ongoing trial use of a scooter to improve the service in rural areas. 

It was noted that there were less incidents of people parking in a selfish manner and that the Parking Attendants had gained important experience since the implementation and were doing a good, but sometimes unpopular job for Chorley. 

Councillor Gee thanked the Panel for their work on the Inquiry and supported the recommendations.  It was positive that other authorities had adopted some of the recommendations arising from the Inquiry, such as, the additional information leaflet for Blue Badge holders and the use of a sticker to highlight which side the Blue Badge should be displayed.

AGREED – That the discussion with the Executive Member be taken forward for the Final Report.

The draft Final Report will follow.

The Panel considered the draft final report and queried several points.  A number of the recommendations were reworded, including regarding the inclusion of a question on any relevant surveys undertaken about Decriminalisation of Parking Enforcement, the use of mystery shoppers and a review of the Parking Attendant uniform.  

The recommendations were reorganised to group those for Chorley Borough, Lancashire County Council, the contractor (National Car Parks) and the Department for Transport.

RESOLVED – That the amendments to the final report be made and an updated copy of the report be distributed to the Panel Members and Executive Member for Traffic and Transportation.

The notes of the Sub-Group are enclosed.

The Panel received the minutes of the Sub-Group held on 7 December 2005.  In response to a query officers clarified the status of the agency agreement with Lancashire County Council and that Chorley Borough would formulate an induction pack for Parking Attendants. 

AGREED – That the comments and recommendations be taken forward for the Final Report.

To note the enclosed updated Inquiry documentation:

• Information Checklist
• Witness Checklist
• Project Plan

RESOLVED – That the updated Inquiry documents be noted.

The Chair thanked the Panel for their contribution to the Decriminalisation of Parking Enforcement Inquiry and the work of the Panel during the last Municipal Year.