PATROL launched the Driving Improvement Awards in 2024 – a fresh, exciting programme focused on inspiring and recognising local authority communication activities that drive positive change in the delivery of enforcement services and public engagement.

Communicating to tackle key issues

The Driving Improvement Awards offer authorities the chance to submit a bid for funding to carry out a communication campaign or activity to effect change, both in the local area and replicable nationally. This could include, for example, new public information, social media, marketing, branding or PR. Bids will be encouraged around a specific theme each year, based on current or pressing events, issues and trends in the parking and traffic enforcement landscape.

For example, in its inaugural guise in 2024, the Driving Improvement Awards focused on the issue of abuse experienced by civil enforcement officers and other enforcement staff, which speaks to an intensity of negative public sentiment towards parking and traffic enforcement, generally. Recent research and media reports highlight the frequency of abuse faced by such staff, with 84% of parking managers reporting their staff experience verbal abuse at least once per month. Even more concerning is the fact that 20% reported physical abuse occurring with the same frequency.

Authorities access funding for their project

PATROL offers its local authority members access to funding for bids that focus on a proposed communication campaign or activity that delivers on objectives aimed at addressing the current year’s theme. Bids are assessed on their scope for implementation locally, but also for how the chosen campaign / activity can be replicated by any England and Wales authority, or taken forward by PATROL to elevate on a national scale.

Recognition and inspiring others

Winning authorities are recognised at PATROL’s Annual Reception in July, held at a prestigious venue in Westminster, the heart of UK policy making. The PATROL team then support winning authorities to implement their campaign / activity ahead of next year’s event, with the outcomes, learnings and best practice shared with the wider authority cohort.