Taxi Driver Online

Stockton enforcement officers given new role on roads

POLICE in Stockton will be freed up for other duties after the council’s neighbourhood enforcement officers became the first in the North-east to gain new powers.

Stockton Council’s enforcement staff will now be able to deal with traffic and vehicles thanks to the new powers granted by Cleveland Police Chief Constable Sean Price.

They have the power to direct traffic, escort parades and abnormal loads and pull in vehicles for roadside inspections.

Previously, only police officers could handle these situations. Now, whilst the police still retain these powers, the neighbourhood enforcement officers can also carry them out in a move expected to free up police resources.

Council enforcement officers already have powers to carry out roadside inspections of taxis, waste carriers and other vehicles but have previously had to call on the police to flag such traffic down.

Stockton’s enforcement staff are also able to take the names and addresses of people committing certain road traffic offences.


Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Council’s Cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “The changes will allow our officers to both support the police and act independently where police officers could be better deployed on other duties.

“Some people might be surprised to see a uniformed council officer directing traffic or flagging them down. However, our neighbourhood enforcement teams are highly trained and already have considerable powers as agents for the police and DVLA.

“This means we can not only be more flexible in the way we work, we can also achieve better value for money for residents.”

Chief Constable Sean Price said: “I am pleased to grant these powers to Stockton Borough Council as they are a natural extension to the important work of the neighbourhood enforcement officers.

"Whilst enabling them to perform their role more effectively it will also free-up police officers for other frontline duties.”


Read More http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teess ... z12MP35as4

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
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Does a Chief Constable have the authority to do that?.....Id have thought it would take legislation at National level to give those kind of powers to someone, especially the bit about pulling in traffic!....Council or Otherwise

Under what legislation can a Chief Constable give such authority to council enforcement officers?

And if they can give such authority, then what is the complaints procedure for Joe Publique should he wish to make a complaint against a council enforcement officer?

Or has the reporter got mixed up with VOSA's authority?

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Brummie Cabbie.

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