The introduction of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) in the Highlands will allow responsibility for enforcing parking and waiting and loading regulations to be transferred from Police Scotland to The Highland Council. The Council will also receive powers to uplift vehicles.
Money raised through the issue of Penalty Charge Notices will only be spent on maintaining the service. Any surplus is controlled under statute and can only be used for traffic related projects.
Police Scotland will still be responsible for reportable traffic offences on all roads, such as dangerous parking or obstruction.
DPE will come into effect from 3 October 2016 across the whole of the Highlands.
The implementation of DPE will aid traffic management of Inverness and towns across the Highlands, reducing congestion and emissions and allowing The Highland Council to target enforcement. The outcome should result in an overall improvement in environmental conditions for all road users in our communities.
A new enforcement team will comprise of a minimum of 11 Parking Enforcement Officers and 2 Parking Attendants, providing a 7 day service.
Enforcement of dangerous or obstructive parking and directing of traffic will still be the responsibility of Police Scotland.