Croydon Council is intensifying its efforts to tackle fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles, with a focus on strengthening enforcement measures. The Street and Environment Scrutiny Subcommittee has highlighted the need for multiple sessions dedicated to this issue, suggesting a review of the Love Clean Streets app and a separate session on the abandoned vehicle service.
During a recent meeting, councillors discussed the importance of a zero-tolerance approach to environmental enforcement, aligning with residents' priorities. Councillor Alistair Stewart, Cabinet Member for Streets and Enforcement, confirmed that this approach would be applied across the board, though parking enforcement would remain a distinct operational service.
As part of these enhanced enforcement efforts, the council is exploring an improved evening patrol service within parking services. This initiative aims to address parking offences that occur throughout the night, which are currently not captured until the early morning shift begins. The goal is to build greater resilience within frontline services, ensuring all parking offences are identifiable and resources are targeted appropriately, not just geographically, but also within the required time zones where infringements take place.
While specific details on increased fines from this zero-tolerance approach and their reflection in the mayor's budget are still being finalised, it is expected that enforcement income will rise. The aim is to make the enforcement team self-funding, with fine income enabling continued efforts to drive change.
The council is also reviewing its environmental enforcement offer and is open to providing a report to scrutiny on its revised approach. This includes exploring enhanced evening patrol services and building greater resilience within frontline services. The focus on enforcement signals a commitment to addressing environmental concerns and improving the borough's cleanliness.
