PATROL launches new Driving Improvement Awards

PATROL has launched the Driving Improvement Awards – 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.

The Driving Improvement Awards are an evolution of the Promoting Awareness of Civil Enforcement through Reporting (PACER) Awards from 2024 onwards, shifting the focus to celebrate authorities’ customer service, innovation, improvement and engagement more generally.

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.

In its inaugural guise in 2024, the Driving Improvement Awards is 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 can access funding up to £25k

PATROL is offering its local authority members access to funding of up to £25,000 for bids that focus on a proposed communication campaign or activity that delivers on objectives aimed at addressing the current year’s theme. Bids will be 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 will be recognised at PATROL’s Annual Reception in July, held at a prestigious venue in Westminster – the heart of UK policy making – where MPs and ministers from the Government departments PATROL interfaces with are likely to be in attendance.

The PATROL team will 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.

Laura Padden, Director of PATROL, said: ‘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.’

Authorities can submit bids online by Tuesday 30 April

PATROL member authorities can submit a bid to enter the Driving Improvement Awards via on online form at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PATROLAwards2024.