Local authorities who undertake civil traffic enforcement are required by statute to make provision for independent adjudication. The relationship between the adjudicators and the Joint Committee is derived from and governed by the Traffic Management Act 2004.

Over 300 local authorities in England (outside London) and Wales are members of the PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London) Adjudication Joint Committee to exercise this function jointly.

The main function of the Joint Committee is to provide resources to support independent adjudicators and their staff, who together comprise the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT). The TPT’s appeal streams include:

• Parking: England (outside London) and Wales
• Bus Lanes: England (outside London) and Wales
• Clean Air Zones: England (outside London) only
• Moving Traffic: Wales only
• Littering from Vehicles: England (outside London) only
• Road User Charging: Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing ('Dart Charge'), Mersey Gateway Bridge Crossings ('Merseyflow') and the Durham Road User Charge Zone.

In addition, PATROL undertakes initiatives to support its local authority members and raise awareness of the objectives of civil enforcement, including:

• Inspiring and recognising local authority communication activities that drive positive change in the delivery of enforcement services and public engagement through the Driving Improvement Awards programme
• Provision of information on civil enforcement through the PATROL website
• Taking forward traffic management issues of mutual interest for member authorities, while also taking into account the motorist’s perspective, evidenced through appeals to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.