Hebden Bridge News

Criticism Over Council's Decision To Privatise

Calderdale Council have today announced their decision to out-source parking enforcement to Watford based firm VINCI Park Services UK Ltd. The Council says that after consultation and research, it decided that parking enforcement could be improved by employing a national organisation who specialise in providing this type of service.

However, Councillor Tim Swift, Leader of the Labour Group, has criticised the Council leadership’s move to out-source parking enforcement.

Cllr Swift stated today that: “The decision by the Conservative Council leadership to push ahead with the privatisation of parking enforcement is a breach of a promise and an admission of failure. When the Council took over responsibility for parking enforcement, the then portfolio holder promised full Council that this would be an in-house service. Now we appaer to be being told that there is no choice but to out-source the service because the Council is not capable of running it effectively ourselves.

“This means another different agency with powers to act on our streets, at a time when we are supposed to be creating a single team of front-line staff working together. “

Calderdale Council have assured residents that parking regulations across the borough will remain the same. The only difference being that VINCI Park attendants will now be enforcing those regulations on behalf of the Council.

Mark Evans, VINCI Park’s Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the decision saying that:

“We’re delighted to be working with Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council. Having worked with numerous high profile local authorities, we understand the importance of integrating our services with the Council’s wider transport policy to help deliver a competitive offer and improved customer service.

“Our team in Calderdale will very much be part of the local community and will each benefit from our award winning training to ensure that they are able to provide local residents with the best possible customer service.”

Speaking on behalf of Calderdale Council, Portfolio holder for Economy and Environment, Councillor Amanda Byrne said:

“I am pleased the Council has teamed up with VINCI Park; a company that specialises in parking enforcement.

“VINCI Park are not just providing a valuable service by alleviating parking problems, but they will become familiar faces in our community. An extra pair of eyes and a helping hand can help to reduce the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour in Calderdale.”