ParkRight performance to be discussed

Shropshire’s Joint Parking Advisory Group is to meet next Thursday (8 November) to discuss the performance of ParkRight, and how far it has gone to improve accessibility and safety in the county.

This performance information will be presented as part of the annual report, which takes into consideration the partnership’s performance from 27 November 2006 until 31 March 2007.

The group is also set to discuss the changes proposed by the Department for Transport to parking legislation.

These proposed changes include enabling ParkRight to enforce parking on dropped kerb crossings and double parking, without the need for signs and lines.

It also proposes to split the penalty charges into two bands. This would mean that those who park dangerously, such as those parking on double yellow lines or in bays for people with disabilities, could be fined more than those who have an expired parking ticket in a marked bay.

The main reason for this is to keep traffic moving freely, but also to make the penalty charges fairer for motorists.

John Everall, Chair of the Joint Parking Advisory Group, said: "Since the introduction of ParkRight, access issues have been significantly reduced and all bays for people with disabilities, loading bays and bus stops have been enforced as a priority.

"The increase in the number of parking attendants has allowed for better coverage of the county, and also for extended patrols in problem areas.

“We do recognise that there have been perceived instances of inappropriate behaviour by the parking attendants. Due to this, we have ensured that all of out attendants have had further customer care training.”

1 November 2007