Greener Ealing (GEL) took over parking enforcement for the London borough of Ealing, from the previous provider Serco, from 1st April 2024.

Greener Ealing is wholly owned by Ealing Council and is the council’s waste, recycling and grounds maintenance contractor.

The reason for bringing the contract back under council control is to provide a better service and reduce traffic congestion for residents.

The decision to appoint GEL, a London living wage employer, was taken at the council’s cabinet meeting on Wednesday 7 December 2022.

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The new service includes 20 extra enforcement officers to tackle various violations such as pavement parking, parking in cycle lanes and other contraventions of the Highway Code

A new shift system now extends patrols until 2 am, enhancing enforcement in town centres across all seven towns, with a particular focus on areas like Southall and Park Royal.

GEL has secured a 5-year contract, with the option to extend for another five years, valued at approximately £2.4 million annually. Projections by an Ealing Council report suggest that GEL's increased ticket issuance could generate an additional £1,769,000 in revenue over the span of five years, exceeding the setup costs of the operation.

Ealing Council leaders, Peter Mason and Deputy Leader Deirdre Costigan, visited GEL headquarters on 8th April 2024 to meet the enforcement team.

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Councillor Mason said: "Most road users play by the rules, but there are still far too many that engage in inconsiderate, dangerous and antisocial behaviour."

"Parking on pavements in our high streets damages business trade and is dangerous for pedestrians. Illegally parking across cycle lanes makes it incredibly dangerous for cyclists and other road users."

"Our message is very simple. Break the rules and you will face consequences. That is why we have taken back control of parking enforcement, bringing it back under the council and are significantly increasing our enforcement activity."

Councillor Deirdre Costigan said, "With 20 extra enforcement officers, new late-night patrols in our 7 towns and a base in Acton to add to the one in Greenford, I’m confident our decision to bring the parking service back in-house was the right decision for residents and for safety on our streets."

"The new service will take a firm but fair approach to enforcement, with officers wearing body cameras to ensure fines are correctly issued. New GPS enabled computerised handsets and better enforcement of resident-only parking rules will help ensure we are doing everything we can to keep Ealing moving and to reduce air pollution from traffic congestion."