Gateshead Council was designated a Decriminalised Parking Authority by Order made under the Road Traffic Act 1991, and as such has been undertaking civil enforcement of parking/ waiting restrictions since July 2007.
Under Section 55 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended by the Traffic Management Act 2004, all English authorities must publish a report of all income and expenditure in designated (i.e. on-street) parking spaces which are in a Civil Enforcement Area, and of their income and expenditure related to their functions as an enforcement authority.
The provision and management of parking is an important function undertaken by the council. Issues around parking are the subject of intense public interest from the scale of public provision to supporting the economic activity, to the desire of a resident to park in the street near their home. The council have a pivotal role in the provision, management, regulation and distribution of parking.
The council is committed to being transparent about its parking and enforcement activity for which it is accountable. The annual report is intended to explain to the public and stakeholders how the service is managed in Gateshead and to provide information regarding its performance. Reporting is an important part of accountability, as the transparency given by regular and consistent reporting helps the public understand and accept Civil Parking Enforcement.