Liberal Democrats demand answers following the ending of popular dangerous parking reporting scheme

Sheffield Liberal Democrat Councillors are demanding an explanation for the closure of a police operation to reduce dangerous parking in north-west and south-east Sheffield. 

Operation Park Safe is a web platform that allows members of the public to report traffic offences directly to the police and send in digital photographs. These are then used by officers to prosecute those who park in a dangerous manner.

The scheme launched in June 2022 and has been hugely successful: in the first 11 months, more than 600 reports were submitted by members of the public, ultimately resulting in the prosecution of 423 offences. There were reductions in dangerous parking across Sheffield where Operation Park Safe was in action. This made roads and pavements safer for all pedestrians, and especially those using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and buggies. 

However, with little public announcement, the online platform is no longer active and instead directs concerned members of the public to the national dash cam safety portal. 

Liberal Democrat councillors have been informed that the decision to stop the initiative was taken by senior officers in South Yorkshire Police, and there are no plans to reinstate it. 

Sue Alston, Councillor for Fulwood ward, said:

“Operation Park Safe was an incredibly successful initiative. It allowed people to play a key role in making our pavements and streets safer and was a brilliant example of collaboration between the public and police. Removing the scheme is a huge mistake. It was very popular with the public who are increasingly concerned about road safety and enabled them to assist the police in getting action to address this problem.” 

I will be asking questions at the Council meeting next week about the decision to stop the initiative and how we can still report dangerous parking. Operation Park Safe must be reinstated to protect our safety and health. It is unacceptable to not provide an explanation or adequate alternative.” 

Councillor Ian Horner, representing Beighton ward, said:

“All Councillors get regular complaints from the public about dangerous parking. It’s an accident waiting to happen. Operation Park Safe has successfully targeted this in several parts of the city, including the South-East.

Mayor Oliver Coppard has recently taken over the role of Police and Crime Commissioner alongside his regional mayor position. So far, he has cancelled or rearranged Police and Crime Commissioner Panel meetings. Now, Operation Park Safe has ended before the panel has the chance to question the decision. It's time he put some effort into effective policing and bring back Operation Park Safe immediately.”

Councillor Alston will be asking the following questions of the Police and Crime Panel representative at the Full Council meeting on 17th July:

How many reports of dangerous parking have been received in the last 12 months through the Parksafe system?

What was the reasoning behind the decision to cease the Operation Parksafe initiative?

What is the current process for members of the public to report dangerous parking?

Does this process allow for digital photograph submission of evidence?