In a comprehensive review conducted by Nottinghamshire County Council, the Place Select Committee has presented its findings on the county’s current residents’ parking schemes.
The review, initiated in March 2024, aimed to assess the efficiency of the schemes and identify potential areas for improvement. With a focus on streamlining processes and improving resident experiences, the scrutiny review highlights key recommendations that could shape the future of parking regulations in the area.
Purpose of the Review
The review was sparked by discussions around the challenges residents face with parking in specific areas of Nottinghamshire. As demand for parking continues to increase, particularly in town centres and high-traffic areas, the committee sought to explore ways to make the application and enforcement of parking schemes more efficient.
The review group, consisting of Councillors Mike Adams (Chair), Penny Gowland, and Sue Saddington, assessed the current framework and consulted with relevant council officials, including Traffic Manager Gareth Johnson and Highways Group Manager Gary Wood. Their findings are based on evidence gathered from a range of case studies, policy reviews, and consultations with affected residents.
Key Findings
There are currently 30 residents’ parking schemes in place across Nottinghamshire, covering 474 streets. These schemes are implemented in areas where the demand for on-street parking outstrips availability, often due to the influx of non-residential vehicles. However, the application process for new schemes has been criticised for being slow, with some residents facing delays in receiving updates about the progress of their proposals.
The review identified several key areas in need of improvement:
- Streamlining the Application Process: Residents have expressed frustration at the time it takes to set up new parking schemes. The review suggests reducing the length of formal consultations from four weeks to the statutory minimum of 21 days. This would accelerate the process while maintaining adequate resident engagement.
- Communication with Residents: A notable issue is the lack of updates provided to residents during the application process. The committee recommends developing an online system where residents can track the status of their application. This would help alleviate the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of new schemes.
- Parking Permit Costs: The report highlights misconceptions about parking permit fees, which currently stand at £40 annually for a resident’s permit, with an additional £40 for a visitor’s permit. Some residents mistakenly believe that the fees are a source of revenue for the council. However, the review emphasises that the charges only cover the administrative costs of running the schemes, ensuring they remain cost-neutral to the council. Blue badge holders and residents over the age of 75 are eligible for free permits.
Enforcement and Fairness
The review also delves into the enforcement of parking schemes, which are monitored by civil enforcement officers. Although residents’ parking schemes generally improve parking availability for local households, oversubscription can still occur, particularly in areas with a high concentration of multi-car households.
The scrutiny task force recommended improvements in public awareness regarding the enforcement process. While officers cannot monitor every street continuously, the presence of enforcement officers does act as a deterrent to parking violations. The council aims to maintain a balance between efficient enforcement and realistic expectations from residents.
Tackling Parking Displacement
Another significant challenge identified is parking displacement, where vehicles move just outside the boundaries of controlled parking zones. This can cause issues for residents in neighbouring areas. The council’s informal consultation process allows for adjustments to be made to proposed schemes to mitigate this risk. However, further improvements in communication during the informal consultation stage could help manage resident expectations and reduce the chances of displacement.
Future
The Nottinghamshire County Council aims to align its parking schemes with broader strategic goals, including those outlined in the Nottinghamshire Plan 2021-2031. These goals include improving transport and reducing congestion, enhancing the quality of life for residents, and ensuring the council adopts forward-looking, resilient policies. By making parking more accessible and improving the efficiency of the application process, the council hopes to support its ambition of creating “a healthy, prosperous, and greener future for everyone.”
The review concluded with eight key recommendations, including making guidance clearer on the council’s website and reducing the wait time for scheme approval by incorporating proposals into the Highways Capital Programme as soon as they are approved.
Next Steps
The findings of the review have been submitted to the Cabinet for further consideration. If endorsed, these recommendations could see quicker implementation times for new parking schemes and clearer communication channels for Nottinghamshire residents.
For now, the council remains committed to ensuring parking schemes are not only fair and well-enforced but also responsive to the changing needs of Nottinghamshire’s communities.
• How to apply for Residents’ Parking Permit Schemes in Nottinghamshire
• Charges proposed for on-street parking in West Bridgford – see maps
