Background:
In partnership with Marston Holdings since 2017, Wokingham Borough Council embarked on a journey to streamline Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) across the borough. Initially commencing with a modest team of four Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs), the service expanded to accommodate 12 officers over the contract period. As the collaboration evolved, the Council recognised the potential to incorporate Moving Traffic Enforcement (MTE) to enhance traffic management across strategic locations within the borough.
The decision to implement MTE received internal political support in November 2022, leaving a tight window of just 12 weeks to fulfil all statutory prerequisites outlined by the Department for Transport (DfT) before the Tranche 2 application deadline in February 2023. Leveraging the Crown Commercial Services – Transport and Technology Framework (TTAS RM6099), Wokingham Borough Council opted for an expedited procurement approach for the necessary technology and services.
“Without the expertise and infrastructure Marston Holding provided from initial concept and assistance from Project Centre to full deployment of equipment and software, we would not have been able to implement Moving Traffic Contraventions in such a short period of time. Thank you to all the teams involved.
Geoff Hislop, Parking Manager, Highways and Transport
The challenge:
The key challenge faced by Wokingham Borough Council was twofold: First, to navigate and fulfil the stringent statutory requirements set by the DfT within a compressed timeframe. Second, to efficiently procure and deploy the requisite moving traffic enforcement technology and infrastructure across identified sites while ensuring compatibility with existing systems and incorporating air quality monitoring to address environmental concerns.
The solution:
Partnering with Marston Holdings, the Council utilised a streamlined procurement process facilitated by the TTAS RM6099 framework. Marston’s standardised order pack eased the completion of necessary schedules, enabling swift progression from initial procurement to execution of the contract and subsequent mobilisation.
Videalert, a leading traffic management and enforcement technology provider, played a pivotal role in the implementation with ANPR cameras strategically installed across the 13 identified MTE sites. These cameras were configured to capture complex traffic scenarios, from restricted access and banned turns to environmental weight-restricted limits, empowering the Council to enforce multiple traffic regulations effectively.
Moreover, integrating Vortex’s air quality monitors alongside the Videalert cameras provided hyperlocal air pollution data at two locations. This innovative addition, aligned with the Council’s commitment to environmental awareness, allows for real-time monitoring and management of air quality within the enforcement zones.
The entire process, from procurement to installation, was accomplished in a remarkably short span of four weeks, underscoring the efficiency of the partnership between Wokingham Borough Council, Marston Holdings, NSL, Project Centre, Videalert and Vortex.
Data and reporting:
The significance of data collection for local authorities, especially in moving traffic enforcement, cannot be overstated. Before initiating any new enforcement scheme, careful consideration of data collection becomes imperative. It is the cornerstone for demonstrating the scheme’s impact on the local network, a crucial aspect for councils facing scrutiny post-implementation. The availability of comprehensive and accessible data in a meaningful format becomes essential and a time-saving necessity in the long term.
Recognising this necessity, Marston has significantly improved its data capture and reporting capabilities over the past year. The result is a robust reporting suite that has transformed and can now present critical outcomes in a user-friendly dashboard format.
This enhancement empowers councils, like Wokingham Borough Council, to easily access and showcase the effects of enforcement schemes, facilitating informed decision-making and transparent communication of the scheme’s impact on the local network.
The Vortex air quality data can also be shared to other platforms via an API to enable members of the public to access the data to make informed decision on where and how they travel based on hyper local pollution levels safeguarding themselves and their families.
Figures one and two below illustrate the daily fluctuations in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM) as well as gases (NO2 and O3) taken from Vortex’s air quality monitors. This analysis empowers Wokingham to assess air pollution at specific locations, facilitating informed decisions on future initiatives and promoting environmental outcomes.
Outcome:
In June 2023, Wokingham received the designation order to enforce Moving Traffic Enforcement (MTE), marking a pivotal milestone in their efforts to enhance traffic management. The live enforcement at designated sites commenced in September, facilitated by the seamless integration of technology and infrastructure.
The collaboration between Marston Holdings, Videalert and Vortex enabled the Council to meet statutory requirements and established a robust foundation for ongoing traffic management and environmental stewardship within the borough.
By harnessing cutting-edge technology and leveraging strategic partnerships, Wokingham Borough Council demonstrated a proactive approach to addressing traffic challenges while prioritising environmental sustainability, setting a benchmark for effective and integrated traffic enforcement solutions and are already looking to roll out further MTE sites as part of their future plans.
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