The Assistant Director for Highways and Infrastructure presented the report of the Director for Neighbourhood Services. Members were informed that the Council has a legal duty to maintain the safe flow of traffic on its network under the Traffic Management Act 2004.

Part of this duty was to deliver a Parking Service which includes the enforcement of on and off-street parking restrictions, the initial processing of penalty charge notices up to and including Notice to Owner stage and the issuing of resident, country park and staff parking permits and parking dispensations. The service also provided emergency cover for the school crossing patrol service. The incumbent contractor is NSL Limited, Registration No. 06033060. The Council have worked with NSL for almost 20 years.

The purpose of this report was to seek approval for a 5-year extension to the Council’s current parking enforcement contract with NSL Limited.

Members queried efficiencies including a reduction in staff, the length of contract and length of time to bring the service back in house, querying associated benefits. Members requested more detailed reporting being brought back to committee in the next few years to look at options. Also discussed was key performance indicators and contract compliance. Members also noted residents’ complaints about parking on double yellow lines not being ticketed.

On a motion by the chair, seconded by Councillor Jenkinson it was,

Resolved – that,

1.  The extension of the current contract for parking enforcement services with NSL Limited, Registration No. 06033060 for a further period of 5 years be approved.

2.  A report be brought back to Committee in advance of the 2026 review, looking at in-house and hybrid provision.