East Cambridgeshire District Council will be looking to work with the police on a dedicated car parking enforcement resource for the district, which may include a community safety accreditation scheme.

This decision comes after a motion was put to the district’s Full Council meeting on Thursday 22 October.

The move looks to help the council continue its commitment to provide free car parking in its off-street town centre car parks, while tackling the growing instances of anti-social on-street car parking across the district.

The next steps will see the council engage with the Chief Constable to discuss the possibility of a dedicated car parking enforcement resource and the potential implementation of a Community Safety Accreditation Scheme.

Councillor Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said:

“The Council cannot sign up to the Civil Parking Enforcement scheme, which is irreversible, has significant unfunded capital and revenue commitments and would lead to the introduction of car parking charges in our district.

“By working with the police, we hope to find a solution which is suitable for both organisations, but most importantly, keeps off-street town centre car parks free and really starts tackling the cases of dangerous on-street parking that taking place in the district.”

An update will be provided to the Council’s Finance and Assets Committee in January 2021 which will detail any legal and financial implications for consideration and a plan to progress this further.