Decision details

The following motion was declared LOST and therefore not approved as the outcome of the non-cabinet member debate:

“One Hour Free Parking on Brent’s High Streets

This Council notes:

That following the pandemic local businesses have been impacted and require economic recovery support.  Brent Council’s Covid-19 Recovery Strategy sets out a number of objectives to support local businesses.

The high priority highlighted by businesses in relation to parking, as part of the economic recovery support from the pandemic.

This Council believes:

The implementation of a one hour free parking scheme in on-street paid for parking bays will assist the recovery of local businesses in the borough following the pandemic and in advance of the looming cost of living crisis. This can be implemented as a temporary measure and monitored through the council’s routine parking surveys and reports.

Local businesses require economic recovery support from the pandemic.  This new proposal of one-hour free on-street parking will assist, in conjunction with the Borough Plan objectives to build an economy fit for all, the Meanwhile Use strategy to assist with High Street diversification and the Council’s Small Business Saturday awards and shop local campaigns, to deliver inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The proposal will assist in building a stronger economy and supporting local businesses as well as in safeguard jobs and creating new employment opportunities for Brent’s diverse population.

With this in mind this Council resolves:

To pledge to support local businesses in the recovery from the pandemic by providing, subject to approval of the necessary Traffic Management Orders and new tariff, the implementation of a one-hour free on street parking scheme in paid for parking bays.

To recognise that the one hour on-street parking proposal will:

·                compliment the physical improvements that are taking place on Brent’s High Streets to increase footfall, dwell time and spend, by way of also providing support to local businesses and the economy; and

·                Support families who are making short trips to our town centres with children and the elderly.

To continue to communicate with residents about responsible parking and walking, where possible.”