A method is proposed in this paper to quantify the illegal parking problem and hence allocate enforcement resources more efficiently. In order that resources may be efficiently allocated to the enforcement of parking law it is important that information exists on the precise nature and extent of the parking problem faced in an urban centre. Such knowledge will facilitate an enforcement policy that is compatible with the level of offending. The paper introduces a method for quantifying the effects of illegal parking and thus defining both the magnitude of the problem faced and the action required to ease the burden on society. This requires that the social cost of an offence be estimated; that is, the sum of the social damage and enforcement costs. The optimum level of enforcement is that which minimises this summed value and thus the social cost of the offence. In order to estimate the social cost of various rates of enforcement, a method is needed to predict the supply of offences for different levels of sanctions. Such a method is presented, based on Fishbem's expectancy value model. The paper describes how this was tested in Brighton and discusses the suitability of such an approach in this context. The results themselves suggest that a considerable reduction in the level of enforcement could be made without producing a large increase in the rate of offending. Thus, the social cost of the offence may be reduced by a cut in the level of enforcement.
Abstract