Agenda item

That the Committee recommend Cabinet approval of the outcome of the 12 month review of the Council’s car parking strategy and proposed changes to the strategy resulting from the review.

The Chief Officer (Streetscene & Transportation) presented a report on the outcome of the review of the Car Parking Strategy, a year after its approval by Cabinet.  He explained the phased approach to implementing parking charges and drew attention to the summary of income levels against projections for each town, along with a number of recommended changes to the policy.  He provided detailed explanation on those changes which could be accommodated in revising the policy along with the reasons why others could not, as set out in the report.  The reasons for continuing with the current levels of parking charges were also indicated, and would be reviewed annually.

Councillor Ann Minshull reported that some Shotton residents had complained at being unable to park outside their homes due to others parking on the road following the introduction of yellow lines and that this was a particular problem in King George Street.  She also commented on the fact that some car parks were not being used and the frustrations around the criteria for parking permits.

The Chief Officer reminded Members of the commitment to review the parking strategy on an annual basis and that any issues raised would be considered, in line with the criteria.  Changes to Traffic Orders could be sought, subject to the necessary consultation.  Requests for candidate sites for parking permits would be considered if brought to his attention, if sufficiently supported from residents in that area.  In response to a question, he advised that seven Enforcement Officers were currently employed, however forthcoming assistance from the environmental enforcement providers would help to maximise resources.

Councillor Bernie Attridge said that previous discussion on the Strategy had made clear the potential for displacement issues along with an undertaking to review Traffic Orders where appropriate.  He added that Enforcement Officers worked on a rota basis to monitor and target specific areas where parking issues were reported as well as reacting to hotspot areas.

Councillor Mike Peers thanked the Chief Officer for listening to the views of Town and Community Councils, and the Cabinet Member for ensuring that the Strategy was reviewed.  He pointed out that details of parking fines had not been mentioned in the report and that he was awaiting responses to his questions on the implementation of charges at County Hall.  He suggested various reasons why parking charge income levels had exceeded expectations in Buckley and asked if consideration could be given to introducing a double-ticket arrangement along with parking charges from 10am-3pm on a six month trial basis.  He also asked whether there were plans to look into why parking charge income levels were lower than expected in some other areas.

The Chief Officer agreed to provide a list of parking fines for the minutes, explaining that this income was put back into the service with a proportional fee paid to Denbighshire.  With regard to the proposed trial in Buckley, he agreed to include this in the report for Cabinet to consider, with no officer recommendation as the loss of income from reducing the hours of application was not sustainable, as indicated in the report.  In respect of the final comment, he felt it would be unfair to review areas where income was lower than expected as there may be other circumstances over which there was no control.

In respect of County Hall, Councillor Attridge said that an announcement would shortly be made, stating that parking charges would not be introduced for employees and Council Members at this stage.  A parking permit could instead be issued for an annual fee of around £12.  Although parking charges at County Hall had been considered as part of the Strategy for Mold, the Cabinet Member pointed out that other Council offices such as Alltami were not included and also that many employees had been impacted by Single Status.  Visitors using the County Hall car park would be subject to parking charges.

Councillor David Evans stressed the need for monitoring the County Hall car park to ensure there was sufficient capacity and prevent unauthorised parking.  Councillor Attridge agreed but said that this was a corporate issue.  Councillor Evans also pointed out the impact on local businesses from the removal of a loading bay at the car park in Charmleys Lane, Shotton.  It was explained that the matter had been discussed with the Clerk of Shotton Town Council and that action could be taken to review the Traffic Order.

Councillor Mike Lowe asked about the approach to enforcement of dual-use parking spaces and raised concerns about the process for renewing blue badges where there was no requirement to return outdated badges.  The Chief Officer said that the suggestion for dual-use spaces had been received at a late stage and would need consideration of how this could be managed, however a suggestion for separate ‘parent and child’ spaces seemed a more practical option.  He gave assurances that fixed penalty notices were issued for vehicles failing to display blue badges and would pass on the concerns raised to the relevant section.  He also agreed to pursue an update for the Committee on the management and enforcement of blue badges.

Councillor Paul Shotton felt that the need for parking charges should be acknowledged in recognition of the current period of austerity.  He commented on the vibrancy of Flint, Shotton and Mold town centres and commended the use of double-tickets to benefit local businesses.  He welcomed the update from the Cabinet Member on County Hall parking and sought information on parking provision at Talacre.  The Chief Officer explained that significant work had been involved in reaching the current stage to extend parking spaces.  This would allow the introduction of a Traffic Order during the Summer to restrict on-street parking at specific times along the main route, along with improved car park signage.  The  objective was to maximise the limited number of parking spaces available and to reduce the potential for congestion along the main route.

In response to a further question, the Chief Officer advised that ‘Kingdom’ the environmental enforcement provider would commence work with the Council at the beginning of July following a period of induction/training.

In acknowledging the aims of the Strategy, the Chairman thanked the Chief Officer for the report.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee recommend Cabinet approval of the outcome of the 12 month review of the Council’s car parking strategy and proposed changes to the strategy resulting from the review.