The post you are reporting:
I have now heard back from the CSU and Parking Services Manager and this is his reply on the various matters raised:
Obstruction:
"Contrary to what is stated in your e-mail, the police do have powers to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) to vehicles parked in contravention of parking regulations. However, the incident related by you amounts, in my view, to obstruction and again the police have powers to deal with this. In fact, they are the only enforcement body who can deal immediately with obstruction. Any police officer who tells you or any other member of the public that they do not have the power to deal with parking contraventions and/or obstruction is simply abrogating their responsibility.
The CEO (Civil Enforcement Officers) role is to enforce parking regulations and to issue PCNs in appropriate circumstances when they see contraventions. They do not have powers to remove vehicles; that is a police matter.
Of course, we need to recognise that many of our roads are narrow and not suitable for modern day traffic levels. This is exacerbated by many households having more than one car, and many instances of inconsiderate parking, some of which you have highlighted in your e-mail".
Range-Rover Illegally parked:
"I am very concerned about the second issue you raise, that CEOs have allegedly allowed a Range Rover to park in London Road all day whilst other vehicles have been issued with PCNs. I would therefore appreciate it if I could be given details of times, dates, registration number, precise location and any other information. This will enable me to investigate the allegation, to identify the CEO(s) on duty and hold them to account for their actions".
Terry - you posted this, can you email me will the details please ?
Parking Contraventions:
"In relation to the parking contraventions not being addressed (e.g. the bouncy castle van parked away from the kerb) you will no doubt appreciate that we have a limited number of CEOs who simply cannot be everywhere. We regularly patrol the three town centres and also visit rural areas. I have also introduced a system where we record and prioritise parking complaints and respond to these, resources permitting.
I would add that contrary to popular opinion, the Council CEOs are not on any form of bonus system or performance related pay, nor do they have targets to achieve. I mention this only in response to the comment that the CEOs do not leave the town centres "where easy pickings are to be had."
I hope that clears up many of your concerns and misunderstandings about parking and obstruction matters.
If you can email me Terry, we'll sort out the Range-Rover issue too.
Roger