Issue - meetings

This report proposes the reduction of on-street parking charges across Brent through the adoption of a new tariff priced at a constant rate of £2.00 per hour.  It also proposes the introduction of a flat rate, low cost charge of 20p for a stay not exceeding 15 minutes to support the turnover of parking place occupation and facilitate short shopping visits.

(i)         that on-street parking charges be reduced through the adoption of a linear charging tariff set at £2.00 per hour as described in paragraph 3.6.3 and 3.6.4;

(ii)        that for stays of up to 15 minutes the linear charging tariff should not apply and that a fixed charge of 20p should instead be made as described in paragraph 3.6.9 of the report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services;

(iii)       that the 20p charge for a stay of no more than 15 minutes should not be subject to the 50p supplement for cash payments already agreed;

(iv)       that the impact of these reductions be monitored and that a report on the impact be brought to the Executive within a year of implementation;

(v)        that authority be delegated to the Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services to undertake appropriate consultation and advertising of Traffic Orders associated with these proposals;

(vi)       that authority be delegated to the Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services after having considered all representations received and making any appropriate modifications, to make the proposed Traffic Orders to introduce the proposed regime and charges;

(vii)      that the changes be funded as described in paragraph 4.8-4.12 of the Director’s report.

Councillor J Moher (Lead Member, Highways and Transportation) introduced the report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services) which proposed a reduction in on street parking charges and the adoption of a new tariff priced at £2.00 per hour and a flat rate, low cost charge of 20p for a stay not exceeding 15 minutes. He referred to the deputation earlier in the evening from local business owner Mr P Raja and thanked him for his balanced contribution. Councillor Moher advised that a number of options had been considered, account had been taken of the 2011 increases and charges in neighbouring boroughs. The was competition from supermarkets and the economy was flat-lining. The proposals now before members would result in all round percentage decreases which he hoped people would welcome from Autumn 2013.

Councillor HB Patel (Preston ward councillor) sought clarification on the cost implications and put forward the view that the priority should be to make  safety improvements for road users, traders, residents and motorists and not to generate revenue for the council. Councillor Patel referred to the increased charges introduced in 2011, the proposal now to have cashless parking and the intention to monitor and review in six months’ time and felt the series of changes would reduce residents’ confidence. He referred to inconsistency in parking arrangements around the borough, especially over bank holiday parking, cheaper rates in neighbouring boroughs and urged the Executive to introduce 30 minutes free parking.

Councillor Lorber (Leader of the Opposition) stated that the decision to increase charges from September 2012 had already cost residents £100,000 and now, only a few months later, additional charges were being considered. He felt that the council was taking advantage of people, particularly those living in streets where only on street was feasible. Councillor Lorber drew attention to the adverse environmental impact of driveway parking as more and more residents destroyed pavements and gardens to create off street parking. Excessive parking charges also had an adverse effect on local businesses with there being found to be a 24% reduction in parking as a result of the increases. This resulted in a loss in business income and many businesses having to close, leaving the high streets to the bookmakers and fast food establishments. 15 minutes free parking was too short a time to be  useful and he queried the level of charge that would apply thereafter.

Councillor J Moher responded to representations stating that the charges were a response to inflation charges and it had been some time since the last increase. Linear charging (where the same pence per minute/hour rate applied across the range of potential stays) had been introduced to alleviate the impact on businesses as it would help the issue of big increases in parking fees where customers stayed slightly longer than the lower tariff. He considered that the proposal to charge 20p for a stay of up to 15 minutes was a serious attempt to meet the demands of traders and achieve  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5