Agenda item
Standardising of arrangements for short term (controlled) on street parking
This report advises members of proposals to standardise arrangements for charging for short term “on street” parking where that parking is controlled, across the Borough. The effect of the proposals would be to, over time, identify locations where (controlled) free short term parking is allowed, and subject to appropriate consultation and the identification of resources, introduce pay and display parking in those areas.
Decision:
(i) That approval be given to proposals, as set out in this report, to introduce pay and display parking controls at locations where free, but controlled, parking arrangements currently exist.
(ii) That the authority be delegated to the Head of Transportation to implement pay and display controls at identified sites subject to appropriate consultation arrangements being followed and the identification of funding for implementation.
Minutes:
Members considered a report which advised them of the proposals to standardise arrangements for charging for short term on-street parking in streets where parking was controlled across the Borough and sought members’ approval to commence that process.
Tim Jackson, Head of Transportation, outlined the main issues relating to the short term parking bays. He stated that they represented an inconsistency in that motorists were parking in some bays free of charge whilst others were being charged at other generally similar locations. As a result, visitors were effectively encouraged to visit certain areas/locations to the possible detriment of others. Secondly, the arrangements at these locations could be contrary to the Council’s policy of encouraging the use of more sustainable transport modes and discouraging non-essential car journeys. Lastly, because of difficulties in enforcement without significant deployment of resources, the level of compliance with the controls (in relation to the maximum stay period) was low and as a result their purpose of providing short stay parking for visitors was being undermined.
The effect of the proposals to standardise short term parking would be, over-time, to identify locations with free short term parking within controlled parking areas and subject to appropriate consultation and the availability of resources, to introduce pay and display parking in those areas. Such a programme would, over time, address the issues identified above. He emphasised that the scheme would not introduce pay and display arrangements in areas where no parking controls, other than single yellow line controls, currently existed.
Mr Robert Dunwell speaking on behalf of Queensbury Area Residents (QARA) Group of Associations and the local shopkeepers alleged that the report before members was flawed and that the current short term on-street free parking arrangements in parking bays in both Bridge Road and Preston Road were satisfactory. He reiterated the view that the proposed standardisation of short term on-street parking would be detrimental to the interests of the shopkeepers and urged members not to pursue it.
Mr Varsani a local shopkeeper in the Preston Road area informed members that the proposed arrangement would reduce the number of prospective shoppers and buyers to the area to the detriment of shopkeepers’ business interests. He requested that if members were minded to pursue the scheme then they should ensure that the consultation was widened to include residents and local shopkeepers in order to gain a balanced view of the proposal.
Councillor HB Patel ward member stated that the existing free parking in the Preston Road and Bridge Road areas was a contributory factor in attracting shoppers to the areas, thus enhancing the retail function of both areas. In urging members to retain the present arrangement, Councillor HB Patel expressed a view that contrary to the officer’s reasons, the proposal would not introduce inconsistency and would not be contrary to Council policy.
Mr Raja a local businessman in addressing the Committee stated that as a result of general controlled parking in the area, commuter parking in the Preston Road area was no longer a problem. Most of the motorists to the area were shoppers (rather than commuters) who were encouraged to visit the shops by the present arrangement for free on-street short term parking. In his view the proposed arrangements would not serve the business interests of the area at a time when sales were poor due to austere economic conditions.
Councillor Hossain spoke briefly in support of the present arrangement in the Preston Road area which allowed for one hour free on-street parking. She drew members’ attention to the car park to the rear of Preston Road which offered additional parking facilities. In her view there was no reason to standardise short term parking and introduce additional pay and display facilities as recommended in the report. This view was echoed by Councillor Harrison.
In responding to some of the views expressed, Tim Jackson stated that despite the measures introduced by the Council to generate interest in the rear car park in Preston Road it still remained largely under-utilised. As a result of that, the Executive took a decision to standardise parking arrangements in all parts of the Borough. He added that a wider consultation would be carried out and the results reported to the Committee for a decision on the proposals.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that approval be given to proposals, as set out in this report, to introduce pay and display parking controls at locations where free, but controlled, parking arrangements currently exist.
(ii) that authority be delegated to the Head of Transportation to implement pay and display controls at identified sites subject to appropriate consultation arrangements being followed and the identification of funding for implementation.
Supporting documents: