Parking enforcement 'a success'

A council has had a "successful" year enforcing parking after it took over the responsibility from police.

Decriminalised parking enforcement was introduced in Wilshire a year ago.

Kennet District Council said it had made a "notable difference", with a marked reduction in the amount of nuisance parking.

It said traffic flows had improved and it had successfully been stopping cars parking in loading bays. Police still deal with more serious obstructions.

Kennet District Council said it has also been able to offer more assistance to community events, fairs and carnivals, providing traffic management advice as well as enforcing against illegal parking.

For bigger events such as the summer solstice at Avebury Stone Circle, the council works in partnership with the police.

A Kennet District Council spokesman said: "The council's aspiration to introduce decriminalised parking enforcement in a firm but fair manner has been realised and there has been a notable improvement in the district."

Decriminalised parking enforcement allows councils to manage parking, loading and waiting restrictions, and is designed to allow police to spend more time fighting crime.