Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has warned of chaos on Scotland’s streets following the withdrawal of Police Scotland traffic wardens.
During a members debate in the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Conservative MSP said:
…I fear that the withdrawal of this service is all about saving money and not about providing the best possible service. Police Scotland is shifting cuts from their books onto the budgets of local authorities. And during a time of spending restraint, these measures appear to be grossly irresponsible.
Decriminalised parking will take nearly two years to roll-out, and the process will require a full consultation using the considerable time and resources of a community engagement officer. Although it is difficult to cost this, the final total will inevitably run into thousands.
If Stirling Council was to employ its own wardens during the interim period it would cost them nearly £200,000 per year.
There is a danger that in some areas Police wardens will be replaced by target-driven firms who only have profit in mind. This has the potential to hit town-centres as overzealous wardens will turn away shoppers. Balance is crucial when it comes to parking enforcement.
However, what is really concerning is the rushed nature of change and the lack of any effort to engage locally or conduct an open consultation. By removing wardens Police Scotland has been exposed prioritising national considerations over the interests of individual councils.
I fully accept that Police Scotland is trying to trim its budget and I would like to think that most councils would agree that this is a reasonable step. However, what they and I object to is the way in which this has been handled.
In conclusion, I would urge the Scottish Government to step in, and tell Police Scotland to think again, delay the withdrawal of traffic wardens until those Councils which wish to decriminalise have had time to do so, without a loss of service. Otherwise it is no exaggeration to say that we could face chaos on our streets.