Parking charges are given the green light - but not for at least three years

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Parking enforcement is not likely to begin in West Lothian for at least three years, as councillors were warned there was no ‘quick or cheap fix’ the area’s parking problems.A two year study into the issue also found that the initial set-up could cost the council could top around £500,000.Despite this the report was backed by the council’s Executive, which agreed to pursue the development of a parking programme of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE).Gordon Brown the Roads Network Manager described the report as “a comprehensive, high level and strategic document” that will shape parking in the future.He told the meeting: “The introduction of any interventions highlighted in the strategy will require additional funding as there is currently no funding provided.

The financial implications of the proposed interventions will be investigated in more detail prior to commencing delivery.”He added: “There is a formal process to follow and a considerable amount of work involved to implement a DPE regime.

Transport Scotland assesses new DPE applications from local authorities on behalf of Scottish Ministers and if content, Scottish Statutory Instruments are drafted which will decriminalise parking offences and allow a local authority to take over parking enforcement from Police Scotland.”There are two options for paying for DPE.

If the council was to develop its own scheme the investment required for DPE is estimated to be in the region of £490,000 for one off initial scheme set up with annual estimated cost implications of £246,000.If it opts to work with a neighbouring authority which already has a scheme running the investment required would be in the region of £175,000 annual cost in fees to the partnership authority and