Council prepares for Decriminalised Parking Enforcement

The Highland Council is preparing for the implementation of a Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) Scheme this year.

Remedial works have started, which includes sign and road markings replacement across the council to support of our Application to Transport Scotland for DPE authority.

The taking over of parking enforcement by the Council follows the withdrawal of the traffic warden service by Police Scotland.

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.

The set up and implementation costs of the scheme will be £0.550 million.

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.

Chair of the Community Services Committee, Cllr Allan Henderson said:  “This scheme will bring many improvements to the environment in our urban areas, not least in reducing congestion and pollution.”

The details of the scheme will be publicised in due course ahead of implementation.