Issue - meetings

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17