When is a target not a target?

Everyone agrees that there is a need for parking regulations and that these should be enforced consistently, fairly and impartially. No-one, of course, likes getting a parking ticket. We all feel aggrieved and it is little wonder that complaints about parking generate headlines. When these are made up and bear no relation to the facts it only serves, however, to create public hostility and undermine the parking arrangements that we all agree need to operate.

An Evening News front page suggested that parking attendants are under pressure to issue a set number of tickets. This is quite simply untrue! National Car Parks (NCP) took over Edinburgh’s parking contract last month. I can categorically advise that no quotas exist in the contract. James Pritchard, communications manager for NCP, is just as baffled by this claim. He stated that “we are not set targets by Edinburgh Council so why would we set targets for our own employees?”

The facts of the matter are that income from parking decreased by £465,000 last year. I am completely relaxed about that as no targets are set. Indeed, we are actively pursuing other measures that benefit motorists in Edinburgh and may further reduce the number of parking tickets issued. These include: lengthening the maximum stay in the City Centre to four hours; improved signage to off-street car parking; increased parking spaces; the introduction of business and traders vehicle parking permits; and a five minute grace period after tickets have expired. We do, of course, need to challenge those who park illegally to ensure that: residents can park near their homes; people with disabilities can park close to their destinations; we tackle congestion and facilitate swift journeys for people working in Edinburgh; and for parking spaces near shops to turn over regularly to benefit shoppers and local businesses alike.