BROMLEY and Bexley's councils are to save £270,000 a year by sharing parking services.

The scheme will reduce staffing and IT costs and further savings are expected when the councils’ parking enforcement contracts are combined in 2016.

It follows the merged library service between the two boroughs which was introduced early last year.

The decision to share parking services was taken by the Executive Members of both councils who agreed the plan should begin at the start of the next financial year in April.

Executive Councillor for Environment in Bromley Councillor Colin Smith said: “At a time when local authorities are being pushed to their limits due to cuts in central Government funding, making savings wherever possible remains absolutely vital.”

The merger will cover all aspects of parking, including on and off-street parking operations, management of enforcement and appeals against Penalty Charge Notices.

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