| Title |
Parking Service Review |
| Lead officer(s) |
Barrie McDonnell |
| Telephone number |
|
| Email address |
barrie.mcdonnell@east-ayrshire.gov.uk |
| Date summary created |
27 Feb 2026 |
| Date assessment completed |
27 Feb 2026 |
| Summary of policy aims |
The service review considers the existing service delivery model to establish a fit for purpose parking service which is fully equipped to deal with current and future demands. The review also considers whether a public/private partnership should be established to enable equitable parking enforcement across all communities. |
| Key issues |
The review is driven by the need to react to current and future challenges and demands. Front line enforcement teams are still effectively operating as standalone services with each team operating from separate bases and only undertaking enforcement duties within their respective council areas. This presents challenges particularly, when the need arises to deploy additional resource in one special geographical area as there is no ability for teams to work across the respective South and East areas. |
| Summary of involvement with Groups |
Public feedback was gathered through regular Community Council attendance by senior officers and also through regular interaction with Elected Members. A recurring theme is the belief that the towns and villages outwith the main administrative centres of Kilmarnock and Ayr do not receive their fair share of enforcement. Communities see the advantages of more regular enforcement patrols and consistently call for such. Officers recognise the value of working with employees, communities and partners to achieve service objectives.
Consultation and engagement continue with Joint Trade Union (JTU) Representatives. The Depute Chief Executive and Senior Council Management Team Officers met with the JTU Representatives on 18 November 2025. A further meeting was also arranged by the Depute CEO and Senior Officers to meet with the JTU on 5 January 2026. It should be noted that the JTU position continues to robustly oppose the outsourcing of this service.
The Depute CEO and the Head of Ayrshire Roads Alliance met with the Parking Enforcement Team on 02 December 2025 providing an overview of the Community Safety and Enforcement Review which allowed effective engagement with the affected staff group. The support service team received a separate verbal update from the ARA Strategic Manager thereafter. A further staff / JTU Representatives meeting took place on 12 January 2026 at which staff again raised concerns about potential TUPE transfers. |
| Key recommendations |
Introduce the review without amendments. The review scopes out the different proposals and aligns with a structure offering a more sustainable, financially viable and future-proofed solution for front line parking enforcement services, and at the same time ensuring job security for the current employees impacted by the change. |