Brighton & Hove City Council and North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) have been announced as joint winners in the first year of PATROL’s new Driving Improvement Awards.

PATROL launched the new awards programme this year to inspire and recognise local authority public awareness activities that drive positive change in the delivery of enforcement services and engagement with communities.

Awards tackle key issues in enforcement landscape 

The Driving Improvement Awards offer authorities the chance to submit a bid for funding to carry out a campaign or activity to effect change, both in the local area and replicable nationally. Bids are encouraged around a specific theme each year, based on current or pressing events, issues and trends in the parking and traffic enforcement landscape. This year focuses on abuse experienced by civil enforcement officers and other enforcement staff.

Two councils to take forward joint campaign

Both Brighton and NEPP proposed creative and thought-provoking campaign concepts to educate the public on the true nature of enforcement and the staff involved, in order to dispel common myths that may lie behind abuse, as well as to foster respect and empathy.

It was also the combination of Brighton’s multi-stakeholder approach with NEPP’s proposal to develop a suite of interactive resources that PATROL felt would deliver a further compelling edge, also making any eventual campaign materials adaptable for use by other authorities.

The winning authorities were announced at PATROL’s Annual Reception held in London on 9 July.

(Above: The Brighton and NEPP teams at the London event on 9 July)

Laura Padden, Director, PATROL, said: ‘Brighton and NEPP are very worthy winners of this first year of the Driving Improvement Awards and we are looking forward to working with both authorities to bring together and shape the two campaigns and their respective tactics together.

‘The awards offer a fantastic opportunity for local authority teams to showcase their creativity in and commitment to addressing local challenges, helping to drive change nationally. Participating in the awards will not only highlight an authority’s dedication to improving community engagement, but also position their team as a leader in innovative problem solving.’

The 2024 shortlist

• Arun District Council
• Brighton & Hove City Council
• Halton Borough Council
• North Essex Parking Partnership
• Telford & Wrekin Council

(Above: The Arun and Halton teams are recognised for making the shortlist)

Looking ahead to next year and reporting back on this year’s campaign

Details on next year’s theme and the entry process for the awards will be announced in October, while a report on the learnings of Brighton and NEPP’s joint campaign, together with any associated materials, are expected in early 2025.