By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
Increased enforcement patrols at tram park and ride sites are beginning to cut poor parking and will be rolled out to further in September, bosses say.
Stricter enforcement was introduced earlier this year after motorists were reported to have been using the Forest Park and Ride for overnight parking, while others had been parking in disabled bays without blue badges.
Only those using the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) network are allowed to use the park and ride sites.
The incorrect parking had affected safety, according to Trevor Stocker, the head of operations for Nottingham Trams Limited.
In January this year enforcement action was taken 238 times, with 52 vehicles clamped, but by June this had dropped to 95 enforcement measures and 37 vehicles clamped.
The success prompted the roll out of additional enforcement patrols at the Toton Lane Park and Ride, which had become a hotspot for anti-social driving, and at the Wilkinson Street site.
Enforcement action taken increased to 225 incidents in July, with 68 vehicles clamped.
“Parking enforcement patrols were extended during July to cover Toton Lane and Wilkinson Street park and ride sites, reflected in an increase in enforcement action recorded during the month,” said Mr Stocker.
“Patrols have had a positive effect in the Toton Lane area with some reduction in ASB driving being reported thanks to the visibility of enforcement patrols.”
Parking enforcement patrols are now further planned at all other park and ride sites.
According to council documents, which will be discussed at a Nottingham City Council tram performance meeting on September 12, increased patrols will be introduced in Hucknall and Moor Bridge in early September.
The network is operated and maintained by a partnership of companies including Keolis and its subsidiary Nottingham Trams Limited.
This group of companies, or consortium, is known as Tramlink.
Strike action is also planned on the network in time for the Goose Fair.
GMB Union, which represents staff working on the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) network, said its members started balloting for strike action on Tuesday, August 15.
The union says the vote comes after Keolis offered a real terms pay cut to staff.
Around 300 drivers, mechanics, control room and ticket office staff are expected to join strike action, with 92 per cent of GMB members voting to back strike action.
The Goose Fair is expected to run for 10 days from September 29 to October 8.
Exact dates of the strikes are yet to be confirmed.
