Somerset Council has announced plans to spend in excess of £23.2 million on parking enforcement over the next eight years, following the approval of a new contract extending through to 2034.
The council holds a legal responsibility for managing car parking and traffic flow across the county. This duty includes employing traffic wardens and issuing penalty charge notices (PCNs), either directly or via camera enforcement technology.
With the previous contract concluding at the end of June, the council has secured a new eight-year agreement to ensure uninterrupted parking enforcement and continued action against parking violations.
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Council officers have confirmed an annual expenditure of approximately £3.3 million on parking enforcement over the duration of the contract, noting a slightly reduced spend in the initial year. The total contract value stands at just over £23.2 million.
NSL, part of the London-based Marston Holdings group and recognised as the UK’s leading parking enforcement provider, will continue to deliver enforcement services under the renewed contract.
The annual cost is set to increase by £370,000 due to broader market and operational cost pressures. This rise will be balanced through anticipated increased revenue from PCNs and pay and display parking fees, the latter currently under separate review.
For the first year-running until April 2027-the contract will cost the council just over £2.5 million. Subsequent years are expected to exceed £3.3 million annually, with continuation dependent on satisfactory service performance and affordability, along with adjustments for inflation.
Vicky Lowman, Somerset Council’s service manager for parking, emphasised the importance of enforcement activities. She stated:
“Parking enforcement plays a critical role in managing the highway network, supporting turnover of parking spaces, maintaining access, improving road safety, and ensuring that controls are applied fairly and consistently.”
She also highlighted the challenges faced: budget constraints, recruitment and training demands, technological requirements, and rising customer expectations.
While the council explored the option of managing parking enforcement in-house, it was ultimately considered “complex and resource-intensive” with substantial initial costs.
Ms Lowman added:
“Continuing with the existing provider enables retention of an established operating model, experienced workforce, supporting systems and local knowledge. This approach also avoids TUPE implications and reduces mobilisation risk.”
The decision to award the contract to NSL aims to provide a stable, scalable service that minimises operational risks. It also allows the council to concentrate on enhancing performance, compliance, customer service, and ongoing improvements.