Agenda and minutes

Martin Beard, Parking Services Manager, to report.

-           to put forward for consideration proposals to immobilise vehicles which are the subject of persistent parking offences.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Parking Services Manager, detailing proposals to immobilise vehicles which were the subject of persistent parking offences.

It was explained that the Traffic Management Act 2004 allowed this practice in certain circumstances and the Department for Transport’s Statutory Guidance stated the following:-

“The Secretary of State is of the view that it (immobilisation) should only be used in limited circumstances such as where the same vehicle repeatedly breaks parking restrictions and it has not been possible to collect payment for penalties, primarily because the keeper is not registered, or is not properly registered, with the DVLA.”

It was reported that there was a significant number of such cases in Rotherham and it was anticipated that an introduction of an immobilisation policy would assist with:-

• collection of the unpaid parking fines
• deter future repeated illegal parking activity and payment avoidance

The Council already had access to the DVLA database to obtain information regarding untaxed vehicles. This allowed removal of such vehicles in appropriate circumstances.

Reference was made to:-

-                      the need for training of appropriate staff

-                      cost of purchase of appropriate immobilisation devices

-                      amount of fines

-                      revenue from auction of removed vehicles

-                      proposed implementation date

-                      publicity

Resolved:-  That the immobilisation policy is introduced following appropriate publicity.

Bob Stock, Network Principal Engineer, Streetpride, to report.

-           to outline the proposed joint procurement on behalf of the South Yorkshire Districts of highway materials sampling and testing services to operate from April 2010.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Network Principal Engineer, outlining the proposed joint procurement on behalf of the South Yorkshire Districts of highway materials sampling and testing services to operate from April 2010.

The background to this issue was detailed in the submitted report and it was explained that Sheffield City Council was currently leading on the procurement process.

It was anticipated that Rotherham would use the service as and when required.  This would result in a saving for the Service Area.

It was confirmed that the new arrangements would ensure the quality of materials supplied for incorporation within the highway and provide for the safety of users.

Resolved:-  That the proposals for letting a joint contract on behalf of the four South Yorkshire Districts for highway materials sampling and testing services be noted.

Bob Stock, Network Principal Engineer, Streetpride, to report.

-           to outline the proposed programme of expenditure to utilise the Capital allocation received from the Department of Transport to assist the Council in developing it’s capacity for managing highway assets.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Network Principal Engineer, outlining the proposed programme of expenditure to utilise the Capital allocation (£83,100) received from the Department of Transport to assist the Council in developing its capacity for managing highway assets.

It was explained that this funding had been made available by the DfT to enable local authorities to gather important inventory information and condition data necessary to adopt an asset management approach.

A range of activities across Streetpride had been identified for the proposed use of this funding, and these were listed in the submitted report.  It was confirmed that all of the activities listed supported actions on data management and maintenance contained within the Highway Asset Management Plan.

Resolved:-  That the programme of Capital Expenditure for 2009/10 described in the report be agreed.