An industry watchdog says Brighton and Hove’s parking policy is the best in the country.
The council’s parking annual report was judged on a range of criteria including customer service, performance, statistics and finance by Parking And Traffic Regulations Outside London (Patrol).
However, the news is likely to baffle protesters against its latest controlled parking zone (CPZ) in Elm Grove in Hanover, which has met with stiff opposition.
Green councillor Bill Randall said: “Most of the 500 residents who came to the meeting about parking proposals for Hanover and Elm Grove on Wednesday night will view this award with disbelief.
“As far as they are concerned, the city’s parking is in a mess and it seems to be beyond the Conservative administration to sort it out.”
What do you think? Have your say below.
The Patrol awards were judged by a review group made up of transport representatives, including the RAC.
One of the judges, Karen Naylor, Parking Manager for Waltham Forest, said: “It is encouraging in this first year of the award to see such a high standard of reports which bodes well for the future.”
The city council’s report, published last September, details all aspects of parking and related work such as tackling abandoned vehicles, as well as enforcement.
It also includes improvements in customer service and how surplus income is reinvested in transport initiatives.
Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, cabinet member for environment, said: “The parking annual report aims to provide more information for the public and is an opportunity for the council to outline how we are improving our service.
“Managing 25,000 parking spaces across the city is a huge job and the report highlights the council’s work in balancing the needs of residents, visitors, businesses, motorists, public transport users and the wider community.”
Parking annual reports were introduced as part of the Traffic Management Act 2004 and came into effect for the first time last year.
The other councils shortlisted were Colchester Borough Council, Sheffield City Council, Torbay Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.
Patrol represents councils operating civil enforcement in England (outside London) and Wales.
