The PSNI has welcomed a report by the Parades Commission which puts dialogue between marchers and residents at the centre of dispute resolution.
After conducting a review of procedures which included public consultation, the Commission today published Parading in a Peaceful Northern Ireland, mapping future policy in resolving disputes over parades.
The report recognised that the relative peace during this year's parade season was not a consequence of changed perceptions among the unionist and nationalist communities.
Commission chairman Roger Poole said fall-off in violence that has surrounded previous seasons was due to the efforts of "people in key areas, across their community and the political divide".
The report noted that the vast majority of parades take place without restrictions, adding that any democratic society would consider the issues surrounding a large parade.
"However, the Commission making decisions is not going to make things better in the long term. The Commission maintains that the only way to achieve long-term solutions to these disputes is for all parties to work to make a genuine attempt to 'listen to' and 'address' the concerns of those with whom they differ," the report said.
It also commended the PSNI for their "sensitive and responsive policing" of this years parade season.
Deputy Chief Constable Paul Leighton backed the report's conclusions: "It is clear that there is a need for communities to work together to find an acceptable solution to the parading issue. The Police Service supports the Commission's view that face-to-face communication between interested parties is the way forward."
He also expressed a hope that the generally positive outcome to this season's arrangements would provide the basis for resolving future difficulties.
The Commission also recommended that Secretary of State Peter Hain should consider allowing certain vintage vehicle associations an exemption from the main provisions
Other conclusions in the review involve the decision making process and determinations. The Commission has recommended it seeks to add greater clarity and accessibility to its rulings by reviewing its use of language and the inclusion of more explanatory material.
It has also suggested amending procedural rules to clarify the process of determining whether a parade is considered contentious.
Additional reporting PA