New “Green” Patrols for Parking Attendants

From December 5, in the first scheme of its kind in any UK city, Parking Attendants are to patrol Manchester streets on bicycles.

The cycles allow attendants to move fast and efficiently around the city helping to keep traffic flowing on the main arterial routes and in the busy city centre.

Manchester City Council is working closely with NCP Services to ensure that the success of the new, 'greener' parking enforcement.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for Environment for Manchester City Council, said: "Parking enforcement is a vital part of keeping city life moving and tackling selfish and inconsiderate parking which can be a danger to pedestrians and other motorists. This scheme allows Parking Attendants to cover a wider area easily, without adding to the volume of motor traffic on the city's streets, which helps us to reduce the council's 'carbon footprint'. Their presence on the streets and their vigilance also makes a significant contribution to reducing crime and providing reassurance to those who live in the city, or who spend time here for work or pleasure."

The new units will be in addition to existing foot patrols, which already operate in districts such as, Longsight and Cheetham Hill. They will also patrol the Residents Parking Schemes.

Andy White, NCP's Contract Manager in Manchester said: "We are confident that the new cycles will be well received, and will improve the service that we provide to the Manchester public as well as being a greener option"

Media contacts:

Rebecca Kennedy/Deborah Grace, tel: 0161 234 3332