Parking enforcement in Lambeth is set to enter a new chapter with the announcement that Lambeth Council has appointed NCP Services as its new parking contractor.

The council is committed to a parking system that is 'firm but fair', and the appointment of NCP Services on a five year contract is seen as a further step towards that aim.

Lambeth abolished targets for the number of tickets issued 18 months ago because it believed such a system put too much pressure on attendants to issue tickets, and abolished clamping in April this year because it agreed that the measure was often disproportionate to the offence.

NCP Services are the industry leader with a national reputation for the quality of the training they provide to their parking attendants, or civil enforcement officers as they are now known. The five year deal with Lambeth is worth just over £30m and is due to begin at the beginning of August.

Councillor Sally Prentice, Cabinet Member for Environment at Lambeth Council, said: "We are determined to make parking fairer, and this is another step towards that aim and a fresh start.

"We have already scrapped the unfair system of setting targets for the number of tickets issued and ended on-street clamping. We are now appointing a new parking contractor with an excellent reputation, particularly for the quality and training of their staff.

"No-one likes getting a parking ticket, but most people accept that we need parking enforcement to keep our roads safe and traffic moving. What frustrates people is when they feel the system is too bureaucratic and tickets are issued unfairly.

"In the past, parking attendants were often too quick to issue tickets. We promised that we would put an end to overzealous ticketing in Lambeth, and that is exactly what we are doing."

Tim Cowen, spokesman for NCP Services said: "Like our new clients Lambeth Council, we are always looking for ways to improve the quality of the service we deliver.

"Parking enforcement is a vital part of the effective management of the capital's busy streets. We look forward to working with the people of Lambeth to keep the streets clear and the traffic flowing."

For further information contact Tim Cowen Director of Communications  020 8991 7709,   07720 412143