Operation Park Safe: Sheffield Liberal Democrats want answers after cops scrap 'bad parking' reporting scheme

The scheme, which launched in June 2022, received more than 600 reports in its first 11 months and led to the prosecution of 423 offences.

Councillor Sue Alston, Fulwood, said: “Operation Park Safe was an incredibly successful initiative.... Removing the scheme is a huge mistake. It was very popular with the public who are increasingly concerned about road safety and enabled them to assist the police in getting action to address this problem.” 

“Operation Park Safe must be reinstated to protect our safety and health. It is unacceptable to not provide an explanation or adequate alternative.” 

Coun Alston’s party claim the scheme was scrapped with “little public announcement” and the online platform is no longer active. The party have reportedly been told there are “no plans to reinstate it”.

At full council today (July 17, 2024), Coun Alston will be asking the Police and Crime Panel representative for the reasons behind the decision to scrap Operation Park Safe.

South Yorkshire Police’s Superintendent Paul Ferguson said: “Operation Park Safe was launched in the North West area of Sheffield as a direct response to concerns raised by members of the community. It involved members of the public submitting photographs of cars parked in positions which caused them concern.

"The scheme was ultimately a success but created a number of resourcing issues as it became more widely used.

"After a report was made as part of Operation Park Safe, the registered keeper of a vehicle was required to be served with a Notice of Intended Prosecution within 14 days. Such time pressures meant this demand had to be prioritised at the expense of other essential work.

"Also, while photographs were being submitted to us with every good intention, we were receiving isolated images with no clear indication of which offence was thought to have been committed. This created additional resource requirements in order to adjudicate and resolve the reports made. 

"After considering the above influencing factors and the benefits, opportunities, demands and costs generated by the scheme, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue Operation Park Safe.

"This decision has not been taken lightly and we appreciate it will be disappointing for many, but I want to reassure the community and all concerned that it was only made after exhausting all other options.

"While we fully appreciate the frustration and inconvenience parking issues can cause, I'm sure the public will understand that with finite resource we are focusing our officers on other crime types.”

Supt Ferguson also explained how parking enforcement responsibilites are split between police and the council, adding the force would continue to work with partners to address parking issues “wherever possible”.

He said: “Sheffield City Council has recently introduced new parking enforcement rules to respond to parking issues, such as obstruction offences, and has the established team to respond in person to complaints from the public. We continue to encourage the public to report any parking offences the police deal with via our website.”