DCLG & DfT have today published the outcome from the Local authority parking strategies consultation and the decisions they are taking moving forward.  CIHTs response to the consultation in February 2014 can be found here.

CIHT and other stakeholders argued against an outright ban on the use of CCTV. Councils will be able to continue the use of CCTV:
•    When stopped in restricted areas outside a school;
•    When stopped (where prohibited) on a red route;
•    Where parked (where prohibited) in a bus lane;
•    Where stopped on a restricted bus stop or stand;

CIHT in its original response to the consultation said

“CCTV is a valid tool for local authorities to enforce Traffic Regulation Orders in particular circumstances.  School zig-zag markings are almost unenforceable without CCTV.  By their nature, these markings are spread out across the whole local authority area.  Experience shows that compliance is good when a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) is present, but the markings, which are critical to the safety of children outside schools, are often abused by drivers if there is no CEO in sight. Some areas can become ‘no go’ areas for CEOs because of the risk of verbal or physical abuse. CCTV in itself is an effective deterrent.”

Additional proposals announced by the government include:

•    Introducing a mandatory 10 minute free period at the end of paid-for on-street parking either through amendments to statutory guidance or regulations.  
•    A 10 minute mandatory grace period at the end of free on-street parking.
•    Government (under the Department for Communities and Local Government) will change the rules so that local residents and firms will be able to  make their council review parking, including the provision of parking, parking charges and the use of yellow lines.  

Government will seek to legislate through the Deregulation Bill currently before Parliament.