This meeting of Blackburn with Darwen Council's Executive Member Decisions committee was scheduled to discuss a contract for parking enforcement services and support. The report pack recommended that the Executive Member approve a procurement process to secure additional parking enforcement services. The council was scheduled to consider a report from the Executive Member for Environment & Communities.

Contract for parking enforcement services and support

The council was scheduled to discuss a report regarding parking enforcement services and support. The report pack explained that in January 2024, parking services began a pilot scheme with NSL Ltd to provide two additional parking enforcement officers during evenings and weekends, and to support parking enforcement during Blackburn Rovers FC home matches. The report stated that the pilot had been successful, leading to a significant increase in enforcement actions against parking contraventions.

The pilot was initially planned to end in March 2025, but was extended to allow for a formal procurement process. The council's procurement team recommended a mini competition using a framework via Crown Commercial Services (CCS). According to the report pack, CCS is the UK's biggest public procurement organisation and an executive agency of the Cabinet Office.

The report pack stated that the council receives regular complaints from residents about illegal parking during evenings and weekends when civil enforcement officers are not on duty. It also noted residents' appreciation for additional parking enforcement during Blackburn Rovers FC home matches.

The report pack stated that if additional parking enforcement support is not secured, enforcement against parking contraventions will reduce, particularly during evenings, weekends, and Blackburn Rovers FC home matches.

The report pack stated that parking enforcement plays a vital role in:

• managing the traffic network to ensure the efficient movement of traffic, (including pedestrians and cyclists).
• improving road safety.
• improving the local environment.
• improving the quality and accessibility of public transport.
• meeting the needs of people with disabilities, some of whom will be unable to use public transport and depend entirely on the use of a car.
• Managing and reconciling the competing demands for kerb space.

The report pack stated that the council would not enter into any contract that requires subsidising, and that any contract would have to operate on a cost-neutral basis. Any financial surplus would be retained by the council to reduce the cost of operating parking services and to support the cost of refreshing double yellow lines and parking signs across the borough.

The report pack recommended that the Executive Member approve the recommended procurement process to conduct a mini competition using a framework via Crown Commercial Services to secure additional parking enforcement services to support the council's parking services team.