STAFF dealing with a city's parking issues appear to be on the right road to achieving customer satisfaction.

Almost nine out of ten users of the Parking Shop, in Durham's North Road, who responded to a recent survey said they believed staff offer a "high quality" service.

A questionnaire returned by more than 300 people revealed nearly 90-per cent of respondees also agreed the civil parking enforcement officers were, "courteous and helpful".

Durham County Council’s head of transport, Adrian White, said the results were "encouraging".

"Parking is something most people have strong feelings about, so it’s really pleasing to have this postal survey bring such positive results.

"Our staff are trained to a high level in customer care and it’s nice to know that residents appreciate the good service."

Council cabinet member Neil Foster said: "It’s really important that residents know their views count, which is why we so often ask people to take part in consultations and surveys.

"We now also know that nearly 70-per cent of residents can usually park on their own street.

"In addition well over half think the level of enforcement of parking restrictions is just right and agree that the presence of the officers makes them feel safer.

"This is all great to know."

Findings of the survey will be considered in the council’s continuing review of on and off-street parking services in the Durham district, which the county council took responsibility for enforcing, in October last year.

Plans are said to be at an early stage of consideration which may see the council’s role as parking "enforcer" extended across the county in future years.