The need for Scottish local authorities to deliver on-street parking enforcement in a timely, efficient, best value way is now paramount given the rapid change in Scottish Policing. This paper highlights the approach in modernising the delivery of on and off-street parking enforcement in Fife. It reviews the alternative delivery mechanisms of in-house, outsourcing and shared services with consideration of associated legal, procurement and business case models, based on an appraisal of Scottish local authorities that have Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) in place. It does not seek to discuss the routine aspects of the DPE process, as detailed within Local Authority Circular 1/95. The preferred approach of outsourcing back office services, whilst maintaining control of enforcement staff, has proven to be a practical fit for Fife, which maintains local control, promotes an efficient staff structure and makes best use of expertise from key private sector providers. The work examines the strengths of utilising this mixed economy approach in delivering parking services and considers the lessons learnt with a view to sharing best practice to other Scottish local authorities and suggests changes to current procedures to help delivery. (Author/publisher)
Abstract