North East Lincolnshire Council: Case Study

A Streamlined Approach to Parking Compliance for North East Lincolnshire Council

In 2022, North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) outlined its strategic priorities in “The Council Plan,” setting out a roadmap for service delivery over the next five years. The plan emphasised transformation and innovation through the effective use of Information Communication Technology (ICT). A key objective was fostering ‘Stronger Economies’ and ‘Stronger Communities’ by working in partnership to enhance services and efficiency.

Enhancing Local Economy and Community Through Parking Management

Recognising the role of Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) in supporting its wider objectives, NELC sought to integrate traffic management policies with an efficient parking system. Effective traffic management reduces congestion, improves safety for both pedestrians and drivers, and enhances the local economy by optimising parking availability for retail, business, tourism, and leisure.

The Need for a Modern Parking Management System

As part of a thorough procurement process, NELC and its partner EQUANS reviewed existing parking operations. Their assessment concluded that a new, forward-thinking parking management system was required to enhance service efficiency and improve the overall customer experience.

NELC aimed for a solution that could leverage modern technologies like Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) while optimising back-office processes. The transition from a paper-based permit system to a fully digital one was expected to significantly reduce administrative workload, shorten processing times, and improve service delivery for residents and businesses.

Additionally, the council considered how future integrations could streamline enforcement activities, particularly for Environmental Enforcement Officers (EEOs), ensuring a more cohesive approach to managing parking and environmental compliance.

The procurement scope covered a fully integrated IT solution capable of managing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) and Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for civil parking infringements and environmental violations. The system also needed to handle resident and staff parking permits, as well as season tickets for council car parks.

NELC and EQUANS jointly developed a business case, defining clear project objectives and expected outcomes.

Securing the Best Parking Management Solution

Following a competitive tender in 2021, NELC and EQUANS awarded their parking management software contract to Unity5. With a strong track record in delivering cutting-edge parking solutions across the UK, Unity5’s Zatpark and Zatpermit systems have processed over 10 million PCNs, demonstrating reliability and efficiency.

NELC’s evaluation found the Zatpark bid to be superior to both the incumbent provider and two additional bidders, leading to the contract award.

“Most of the procurement team and I had no prior knowledge of Zatpark until we began evaluating the bids. Unity5’s Zatpark stood out for meeting our requirements effectively while also being competitively priced. The quality of their technical submission and in-depth software demonstration showed a great level of effort and understanding. It was the best solution to modernise our service and enhance value for money.”

Lynne Bromley, Parking Manager, EQUANS

Delivering a Seamless Transition for NELC

Unity5’s Head of Onboarding & Implementation, Oli Pelliccio, led the project, bringing extensive experience in enforcement system implementation. Working closely with Lynne Bromley from NELC, Oli developed a detailed project plan outlining required resources, timelines, and key milestones. With multiple stakeholders involved, effective communication was essential, and weekly project meetings ensured progress was monitored and challenges were addressed promptly.

Implementation Phases

Phase 1 – Discovery, Customisation, and System Setup

The project began with discovery sessions and workshops involving NELC and the Unity5 onboarding and product teams. These sessions helped align the solution with the council’s specific requirements.

Phase 2 – Onboarding and Staff Training

A structured onboarding plan was implemented to maximise the system’s benefits quickly. Training played a crucial role in ensuring staff could fully utilise the system’s capabilities. A tailored training approach was adopted to accommodate different user needs and ensure a smooth transition.

Phase 3 – Expanding to Environmental Enforcement

Once the parking enforcement solution was in place, the focus shifted to environmental enforcement, ensuring a comprehensive approach to compliance management.

The Benefits of Digital Parking Permit Systems

Implementing Zatpermit brought immediate advantages to NELC:

Environmental impact: Digital permits replaced paper versions, reducing waste.
Real-time updates: Permit status is updated instantly upon approval, eliminating the need for reissues.
Improved security: Digital permits cannot be lost or stolen, enhancing security for both council staff and users.
Faster processing times: Resident permit applications, which previously took 4-6 weeks, are now processed in just one week.

Driving Efficiency Through Automation

Greater automation has significantly improved service delivery at NELC. The new system enables the council to provide faster and more efficient services while requiring fewer resources. Residents and businesses benefit from quicker access to services, and the increased use of online applications highlights the demand for 24/7 availability.

“We thrive on creative partnerships and are thrilled to collaborate with NELC and EQUANS. We understand the increasing demand for improved public services and are proud to support NELC in their transformation journey. Our dedicated team continues to innovate, ensuring our software evolves to meet sector needs.”

Dave Herbert, CEO, Unity5