Agenda item

A report by the Car Parking Member Working Group, supported by Karen Rist, Democratic Services Officer and Andy Fisher – Deputy Chief Executive, Programme Delivery and Assistant Director – General Fund Assets.

Councillor Stuart Evans a member of the review group presented the report supported by the Lead Officer for the review the Joint Deputy Chief Executive for Programme Delivery.  Councillor Evans confirmed that Councillors Mike Gilbert and Ralph Pryke, both on the committee were also on the group and he would invite them to comment on completion of his representation.

Committee were advised that Following concerns in respect of ongoing decreases in car parking income, members of this committee agreed the convention of a Member Working Group to consider the decline in income across the Council’s 22 car parking sites.  The Group also agreed to consider the condition of the sites and the provision and quality of the current signage to the sites, including the seasonal problem of certain signs being hidden by overgrown foliage, both within the town and also along the main arterial roads into the town centre.  The group had further agreed that a review of signage with reference to signs routing visitors to its own car parks would be productive. 

On receiving the relevant information sought from the initial scope of the review, the group held detailed discussions to identify the areas it wished to focus on and what, if any, changes it could successfully take forward.

Key areas identified had included agreeing a pilot car park to change the existing size of the “parking space” to better accommodate today’s larger vehicles.  The group also recognised that certain sites were within highly prominent areas of the town which would benefit from some low-cost enhancements to create a wider amenity, supporting both nature and wildlife. Cllr Gilbert’s team are already engaged in several projects around the town.

The subject of providing free parking was considered, however once the group had considered the outcomes of a comprehensive financial modelling which had been undertaken by the transformation team on the benefits of free parking, they supported the outcome of that modelling in that no free parking outside of any ‘special periods’, be provided.  Clarification was provided that the figures within the report were not current but were the figures used at the start of the review. In conclusion Councillor Evans advised that t was also agreed that a review of parking fees and charges be undertaken, to include exploring the introduction of shopper and commuter passes via the MiPermit app on the Council’s new parking machines.

Prior to opening up the meeting for committee comments, the Chairman invited Councillors Mike Gilbert and Ralph Pryke to comment who stated it was a comprehensive report and well covered and they both endorsed the report.  Further comment noted that the group had considered free parking but had dismissed it, as free parking as often raised by the public was not actually on Council sites but on private properties such as Supermarkets.

Committee agreed the workings of the group and that the report produced.

was informative. In response to an enquiry seeking the costs of repairs for

the car parks, a member was advised the information would be provided

after the meeting.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Environment and Performance committee agree five the recommendations within the report to Cabinet for their approval.