CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT Environment & Regeneration Scrutiny Committee 24 January 2007

CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT (CPE) CPE Development Work began on CPE in Wrexham over five years ago. In April 2004, the Executive Board resolved not to proceed with implementation at that time. In October 2005 a resolution was passed instructing work to begin on CPE implementation. Between October and January 2006, a series of reports were presented and a risk assessment undertaken on all potential CPE delivery options. In February 2006, Regional Collaboration on CPE services was included as part of the ‘Making the Connections’ strategy. Again a series of reports were prepared culminating with a resolution in April 2006 to begin preparatory work on Option A (complete in- house operation) and Option C (enforcement contracted out) and report back on the regional feasibility study.

CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT (CPE) CPE Development (Continued) In June 2006, the Executive Board gave their support to the principle of regional collaboration and the development of a central notice processing unit. During the summer Regional negotiations proved difficult. The WLGA helped facilitate recent progress resulting in a anticipated start date for initial partners of April 2007.

CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT (CPE) - Delivery Options Pre-Regional Agenda Option AIn House Operation Option BNotice Processing Out Option CEnforcement Out Option DExternal Operation A and C identified as preferred delivery options Preparatory work to begin on the generic aspects of all delivery options. Consider and report back on the potential implications of the feasibility study in respect of potential options for collaboration. Options Risk Assessed

CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT (CPE) - Regional Agenda WAG ‘Making the Connections’ strategy highlighted the need for joint working across the public sector improving service delivery and making efficiencies. At a symposium in February 2006, Civil Parking enforcement was highlighted, along with four other areas, as having potential for regional collaboration. Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) processing was identified and a feasibility study commissioned by the North Wales Regional Partnership Board (NWRPB).

CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT (CPE) - Regional Collaboration A Regional Officer Working Group was established with representatives from the six North Wales Authority’s to consider the financial and operational viability of a central notice processing unit. The Regional partners were all at differing stages with their individual applications and work on CPE. - DenbighshireImplemented July 04 - Conwy Committed (WAG) start dateOctober 06 - Gwynedd - Anglesey - WrexhamNo Commitment to a start date - FlintshireNo Commitment to a start date Committed (WAG) start date April 07

CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT (CPE) - Regional Collaboration Each respective authority sought approval in principle from their Council to to enter into joint arrangements for the function of the administration of penalty charge notices. The relative stages each authorities were at with their work hindered and prolonged the negotiations of the group. Obtaining consensus and commitment from all parties proved difficult. August 2006, the WLGA and the NWRPB recognised the difficulties being encountered in delivering a regional solution. It was considered that there was considerable risk that the region’s credibility could be damaged if it failed to deliver on CPE. The WLGA regional co-ordinator joined the negotiations to facilitate and secure commitment and agreement to a regional notice processing unit from those authority’s with fast approaching implementation dates.

CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT (CPE) - Regional Collaboration Given Conwy’s advanced preparations and fixed start date, they were unable to commit to the development of a regional centre and went live with their in-house delivery of CPE in September Negotiations between Gwynedd/Anglesey and Denbighshire are progressing with a view to the establishment of a central notice processing unit for their fixed start date of April Given the similarity between Wrexham and Anglesey’s proposed CPE operations, the following business cases for Wrexham have been developed based upon the financial models being drafted between the above partners. Flintshire are still seeking formal approval to proceed and are developing business cases for CPE implementation.

CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT (CPE) - Financial Implications Revised and Updated Financial Models. (Business cases and financial models illustrated are based upon the draft Service Level Agreements currently under discussion between Anglesey and Denbighshire, received 9/01/07) The cost for Wrexham to secure CPE services via the Regional Notice Processing Unit will be one off start-up costs of £221,690 with an annual operating surplus of £9,777, OptionDescriptionCapitalRevenueTotalSurplus AIn-House£104,428£150,340£254,768£12,374 B Regional Notice Processing £84,833£136,857£221,690£9,777 CEnforcement Out£75,116£137,320£212,436£7,489 DAll Out£55,521£120,615£176,136£13,546

CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT (CPE) - Designation Order Draft/Formal Application In order for Wrexham to make a draft/formal application, some of the most critical elements it has to be in a position to confirm include: An approved definitive delivery option. A proposed commencement date that is realistic and takes account of the processing of the designation order. Evidence of a thorough review of parking policies and the way they are implemented Confirmation that all Traffic Regulation Orders have been modified to be consistent with parking decriminalisation. Details of the arrangements for the provision of parking attendants.

CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT (CPE) - Designation Order Draft/Formal Application (Continued) Details of the arrangements for dealing with the administration of Penalty Charge Notices. Details of the arrangements for issuing Notice to Owners and for considering representations Details of the local authority’s arrangements for ensuring that motorist’s appeals are considered by an independent parking adjudicator. WAG Processing Time Officers have again confirmed with WAG that they are currently processing formal applications for CPE within a six month timescale. This period is anticipated and incorporated within the delivery timescale for a CPE application

CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT (CPE) - Implementation Timetable

CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT (CPE) - Implementation Timetable Timetable A definitive timetable for the implementation of CPE is dependant on the selection of an approved delivery option for Wrexham. As previously reported, the typical period required to undertake the necessary preliminary work for securing Civil enforcement powers is 16 months. A definitive commitment, a strong will to deliver and full resources can shorten this time period. This has been demonstrated by Denbighshire who secured the necessary powers in less than 12 months. PCSO

CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT (CPE) - Interim Arrangements & Future Considerations PCSO Enforcement Agreement Officers are in discussions with the Police to extend the interim enforcement arrangements up until such time that Wrexham acquires the necessary civil parking enforcement powers. Future Expansion – “The Wales Penalty Processing Partnership” It is proposed that the regional notice processing unit could expand its future operations to include the administration of fixed Penalty charge notices issued for contravention of other regulations and environmental bye laws.