Keeping the city on the move is the main aim of Worcester ’s parking services, and the Council is hoping to improve the public’s perception of the parking service by unveiling a new Parking Service Charter. The charter makes a number of commitments to road users and also outlines what the Council expects in return.

“Like most historic cities, Worcester wasn’t designed with cars in mind,” said Mike O’Grady, Head of Property Services. “That means that as the population has grown and as ownership and usage of cars has increased it has become increasingly necessary to manage the road network and one way of doing this is through parking enforcement. It is clear that effective parking enforcement benefits public transport users, pedestrians, motor cyclists, cyclists, responsible drivers and other road users.”

The charter is a result of a major review of the Council’s parking services. “We are committed to providing the best parking service in Worcester by understanding what is important to our customers,” added Mr O’Grady. “The report which stems from our review makes a number of recommendations, most of which are featured in the proposed charter, such as providing safe and secure parking facilities that are clearly signed, brightly lit and competitively priced. Many of these things we are already doing but it is important we let the public know that we are serious about our intention to provide a first-class parking service.”

The charter makes it clear that the Council aims to handle all enquiries in a courteous and helpful manner and respond to all written representations about penalty charge notices.

The City Council’s Chief Executive David Wareing said that the new Parking Service Charter should be welcomed by all road users: “An efficient and fair parking service plays an important role in managing the local economy whether it is for work or leisure. Equally, our residents need to know that we are making every effort to tackle problems causes by irresponsible or inconsiderate parking. Our review of the parking service is aimed at achieving a noticeable improvement in performance.”

The report prepared for the Cabinet meeting also shows that the number of Penalty Charge Notices that had to be cancelled has fallen year-on-year from 41% in 2003 to just 20% in 2006. “I am aware that this has previously been a cause for concern,” added Mr Wareing, “but these figures provide further evidence that our administration of parking enforcement is improving year on year and we intend this to continue.”

Worcester City Council manages 15 car parks in the city, with over 2,500 spaces, and two –on-street controlled parking zones. It also has responsibility for the enforcement of on-street parking regulations.

Once the Charter has been rubber-stamped it will be made available on this website and hard copies will be placed in the Customer Service Centre at Orchard House, Farrier Street .