Agenda item
Proposed changes to charging and other arrangements for Preston Road Car Park
This report summarises the outcome of a meeting of a working group to address the two issues of Preston Road car park; (a) explore ways to improve the attractiveness and visibility of Preston Road car park with a view to improving usage and (b) to piloting a charging regime that could also improve usage and support the vitality of the shops and businesses along Preston Road. The report describes proposed measures that the working group agreed would improve the attractiveness and visibility of the car park and a pilot charging regime that could be introduced in the car park.
Decision:
(i) Noted the outcomes of a meeting of a working group which comprised of the Executive member, ward members and representatives of residents and businesses on proposals for Preston Road car park;
(ii) Agreed to the advertising and making of Traffic Orders associated with the introduction of a revised regime of charging and usage at Preston Road car park as described in Appendix “B” of the report and, subject to the satisfactory outcome of the statutory consultation, to the introduction of that revised regime;
(iii) Noted that the impact of the proposals described in this report would be reviewed no later than 12 months after their implementation and that review would be the subject of a future report to the Committee.
Minutes:
In setting the background to the report, Tim Jackson, Head of Transportation referred to the Committee meeting on 27 July 2011 that agreed to introduce pay and display parking on Preston Road and Bridge Road. At the same time the Committee agreed that further work should be done to (a) explore ways to improve the attractiveness and visibility of Preston Road car park with a view to improving usage and (b) to piloting a charging regime that could also improve usage and support the vitality of the shops and businesses along Preston Road.
He summarised the outcome of a meeting of the working group to address the two issues and described the proposed measures that the working group agreed would improve the attractiveness and visibility of the car park.
He described a package of 17 possible measures that could improve the visibility and attractiveness of the car park. He explained that these were covered in detail in the report but included measures such as re-surfacing the entrance, providing new signage and promotional activity. He added that almost all of the measures identified could be undertaken at a minimal cost except the following for reasons set out in the report; CCTV, improved lighting and the creation of a footway along the entrance road.
In reference to the proposed pilot charging regime to be reviewed no later than 12 months after its introduction, the Head of Transportation stated that the charges could reduce commuter parking in surrounding streets but would not be consistent with charges for parking in other shopping areas within the Borough.
Mr Robert Dunwell speaking on behalf of Queensbury Area Residents’ Group of Associations (QARA) welcomed the introduction of reduced charges in the car park.
He requested that the Committee consider reducing the proposed charge for traders to from £300 to £200 per trader per annum. He said he would like the Committee to introduce a “first hour free” scheme for those wishing to park on street.
Mr Bill Kemp, Chair of Preston Amenities Protection Association (PAPA) whilst acknowledging the need to reduce commuter parking in the area considered that the proposed charges were exorbitant and would deter residents from parking to the detriment of the local traders. In his view the strategy for charging for use of the car park would not serve the needs of the local residents.
Councillor Kansagra stated that the proposed charges would not improve the economic situation for the local traders in the Preston area as local shoppers were more likely to visit other supermarkets where parking facilities were offered free of charge for up to two hours. He referred to the London Borough of Hillingdon where shoppers got the first half hour on-street parking free and urged the Committee to consider a similar strategy for the Preston Road area.
Councillor Cheese however felt that it was unfair to other shoppers in the Borough for users of Preston Road car park to have an hour free car parking facility. Councillor Lorber queried the efficacy of the “12 month” pilot scheme and wondered what it could achieve.
In response, the Chair reiterated that the scheme was to be piloted for only 12 months after which period it would be reviewed. He added that the first hour free parking was intended to attract motorists and shoppers to use the car park. The Head of Transportation in responding to a request by Councillor Long stated that wider disabled persons parking bays would be accommodated
RESOLVED:
(i) that the outcomes of a meeting of a working group which comprised of the Executive member, ward members and representatives of residents and businesses on proposals for Preston Road car park be noted;
(ii) that the advertising and making of Traffic Orders associated with the introduction of a revised regime of charging and usage at Preston Road car park as described in Appendix “B” of the report be agreed, subject to the satisfactory outcome of the statutory consultation to the introduction of that revised regime;
(iii) that the impact of the proposals described in the report be reviewed no later than 12 months after their implementation and the review reported to a future report of this Committee.
Supporting documents: