No excuses in parking blitz
County-wide parking changes will see fines increase to £90 as attendants are told to dish out tickets to broken down vehicles and pregnant mothers who have flouted the rules.
The plan to decriminalise offences and put enforcement in the hands of council staff will be agreed on Thursday with the powers being rolled out across the county from October.
The changes will bring more wardens and a crackdown on misdemeanours where previously police have not been enforcing the law because of a lack of manpower.
A detailed 98-point instruction manual has been created by the newly formed parking chiefs, covering every excuse a canny motorist could think of including broken pay-and-display machines, lost keys and an extra-long visit to the doctor. The new warden's rule book states it is reasonable to expect a driver to be with their car in the event of a flat tyre. If they are not there a fine is issued.
In the instance of a pregnant woman who has parked in the wrong place the guidelines state: "Generally pregnancy is not considered a disability and should not normally lead to the cancellation of a fine.
"If a delay is caused by the mother not allowing additional time to deal with her own condition which she is fully aware of the notice should be enforced."
Stafford borough cabinet member for planning and regeneration Doug Davis said: "Quite rightly the police say they just haven't got the manpower to deal with parking issues, as crime prevention is more important. Wardens will take on responsibility throughout the borough."
He said the introduction will be dealt with sensitively and will start with a widespread education campaign to inform the public of the change.
"Wardens will not just appear banging notices on people's cars. We won't use Draconian methods instantly," he added.
Fines are increasing by 50 per cent from £60 to £90 but the reduced rate for prompt payment will remain £30 and the changes will be phased in first in Staffordshire Moorlands and East Staffordshire followed by Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stafford in November.
Cannock, Tamworth and Lichfield can expect to see the changes in 2008 with South Staffordshire following suit the following year.
Council wardens currently operate only in car parks, and motorists in Staffordshire have been getting off lightly.
Former police inspector Steve Allen has left the Staffordshire force to manage the new parking department in the Stafford borough.
The changes will cost around £400,000 in Stafford alone, and will be paid for with county council cash initially but are expected to be self-funded in each area by the end of the first year.
