BY THE end of 2019 each local authority in Gwent could be taking over on-street parking enforcement.

Gwent Police notified council’s earlier this year that they intend to withdraw officers and staff from activities that involve enforcing parking restrictions as of April 1, 2018 - but legal requirements will not be in place until 2019.

However, local authorities within the county have stated that they are currently liaising with Gwent Police.

Superintendent Nick McLain from Gwent Police said that the transfer will bring about a “consistent approach”.

He said: “Throughout the rest of Wales, local authorities are the lead agency for parking enforcement, rather than the police. To ensure there is a consistent approach across the country it is our intention to transfer the enforcement of parking in Caerphilly County Borough to the local authority. As you would expect, we will work closely with our local authority partners on this matter to ensure the public receive an effective service.”

A spokeswoman from Newport City Council said: “Newport City Council is to discuss Gwent Police’s plans to no longer enforce on street parking at the next Scrutiny Committee.

“The police are suggesting local authorities take on a civil enforcement role from that date however the legal requirements to introduce this would not be in place until at least Spring/Summer 2019.

Cllr Roger Jeavons, cabinet member for Streetscene said: “Realistically we believe this will be at least 18 months from approval before necessary regulations are in place to allow us to decriminalise on street parking and take offenders through the civil process.”

A spokesman for Torfaen County Borough Council said: “Our discussions with Gwent Police are on-going and as yet no formal decisions have been taken.”

Head of operations for Monmouthshire County Council Roger Hoggins said: “Monmouthshire County Council’s officers are working with colleagues in the other Gwent councils and Gwent Police to prepare plans for the transfer of on–street parking enforcement to local authorities.”

A spokeswoman for Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council added: “This review is still progressing and once completed will offer various methods for delivering the service together with their respective financial models. Once completed, these options will be presented to Councillors for consideration.”

Council leader Cllr David Poole from Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “, our current position is that we, along with the other Gwent local authorities, agreed to progress business cases in order to better understand the policy, financial and operational implications of taking on Civil Parking Enforcement powers. This work is progressing, after which reports will need to be prepared for members’ consideration.

“Following members consideration, and should approval be granted, there is a statutory process to be undertaken with Welsh Government to formally transfer the relevant powers. We, along with the other local authorities are currently liaising with Gwent Police in relation to the relevant timescales within which this can be achieved – however it isn’t envisaged that this process will be achieved by April next year”.”