Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendation, with the addition of the following resolution:

That the claims for car parking income loss for Quarter two and Quarter three be pursued with Welsh Government.

Councillor Thomas introduced the report which sought approval to extend the suspension of town centre car parking charges until 31^st December 2020.

            The Council resolved to suspend all Pay and Display car parking charges across the County from 25^th March 2020.  That decision was taken to reduce personal contact and the risk of surface transition of the COVID-19/coronavirus from machines, and to assist key workers and essential shopping during the emergency situation.  Following Welsh Governments (WG) announcement to allow non-essential shops to open from 22^nd June 2020, the car parking charges had remained suspended to support town centre recovery post lockdown.

            The report sought approval to continue with the suspension of charges until 31^st December 2020 to further support town centre regeneration.

            The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) said the proposal was intended to support the cross Council work to reopen the town centres and encourage shoppers and visitors to return to the town centres.  The approach would also allow for free parking in the run up to the Christmas period which would also support an upturn in shopper footfall.

            It was recommended that short stay parking continue to be controlled by way of displaying a valid Pay and Display ticket in the window of the vehicle to ensure the turnover of vehicles in spaces closest to the town centre and all other restrictions, such as displaying a blue badge in a disabled space, would still apply.

            The earlier discussion on Welsh Government’s (WG) decision not to reimburse for car parking charges from Quarter two was reiterated with the same recommendation that the claims for car parking income loss for Quarter two and Quarter three be pursued with Welsh Government.

            Members welcomed the report which they said would be well received by local businesses. 

RESOLVED:

(a)      That the suspension of car parking charges in Flintshire’s town centre car

parks until 31^st December 2020 be approved; and

(b)      That the claims for car parking income loss for Quarter two and Quarter three

be pursued with Welsh Government.