Case Study - NSL

Introduction

Since the introduction of Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) local authorities have successfully enforced parking regulations on their public highways. As a result more and more traffic related offences, which were once the responsibility of the Police, are now coming under the control of the local authority.

Islington Council realised that rationalisation enabled a local authority to holistically focus on their transportation related objectives, using outsourced parking and traffic enforcement as an extremely effective tool.

The Challenge

Under the Traffic Management Act 2004 (TMA 2004) modern day enforcement includes moving traffic contraventions. Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) do not have the power to stop vehicles so Islington were looking for a cost effective way of enforcement.

A secondary challenge involved effectively monitoring and providing low key enforcement in school 'Keep clear' areas and around loading bays.

The Solution

NSL's approach concentrated on both static and moving CCTV enforcement, therefore providing Islington with the maximum CCTV coverage available. Enforcement using CCTV cameras takes place in two ways:

Smart Cars mounted with CCTV cameras are positioned in different places around Islington's highway network. Smart Car mounted cameras give more flexibility than static cameras as they can be moved to target specific areas where moving traffic contraventions are occurring.

Linked to a control room operated by NSL static CCTV cameras identify illegally parked or moving vehicles undertaking banned manoeuvres

In either case NSL's CCTV operators record the details of the contravention, including a 'film' of the contravention taking place. 

This evidential record of the contravention is stored on the notice processing system and a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is posted to the vehicle keeper who can be view on-line the relevant images.

The Result

Using both static and mobile CCTV has provided irrefutable evidence for contraventions in Islington. Though Civil Enforcement Officers provide a visible on street presence the introduction additionally of CCTV has resulted in a higher PCN payment rate than CEO generated PCNs.

Safety and traffic management in Islington has seen improvements in many areas. Inconsiderate fly parking and dangerous manoeuvres have reduced and traffic congestion has eased. A better safety record around locations having a poor accident has been established, and bus lanes have been kept clear, resulting in better journeys and journey times for end users.

Most importantly enforcement coverage has been extended considerably.

Next Steps

Mobile CCTV enforcement continues to capture leading edge technological advancement. In other local authorities 'Road Flow' drive by enforcement and 'Enforcement by bay' are new developments currently being piloted.