The management of on-street parking restrictions in St Albans has been improved. 

A number of issues with the enforcement and implementation of on-street parking restrictions were identified in an internal audit carried out by St Albans District Council last year.

At a meeting on Wednesday, September 24, the council’s committee received an update on steps taken by the council to address the various issues identified.

Processes are now in place to ensure that proposals for Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) are implemented effectively and more quickly than previously.

The committee heard that all proposals for TROs have now been reviewed and an action plan drawn up for implementation.

Steps have been taken to ensure that the public is consulted on proposals for TROs and that all objections are documented.

Spot checks on TROs have been carried out to ensure they are fit for purpose and regular reviews of all TRO’s will be undertaken.

Councillor Robert Donald, chairman of the audit committee for St Albans District Council, said: "Residents can now expect to see agreed improvements to on-street parking affecting them directly where they live implemented far more quickly by the council than in the past. 

"The committee discovered that obtaining the necessary Traffic Regulation Orders had previously slowed up the whole process despite Councillors agreeing to go ahead with the changes and the funding being available. In some cases improvement had taken years to achieve. 

"We regarded this as unacceptable and approved new administrative arrangements which are now in place.

"These should lead to the whole process being implemented far more quickly for residents in future and the expected yellow lines and restrictions appearing locally as agreed in months not years. 

"I appreciate the efforts of several officers to introduce these changes as soon as possible."