Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Services

Presented by the Community Services Portfolio Holder

The Community Services Portfolio Holder presented the report drawing Members’ attention to the analysis and results of the consultation.  It was noted that there would not be a single approach for the whole district as each town had its own requirements and the strategy reflected that.  A range of pricing measures had been recommended including ‘free after 3pm’ in Coalville.  This was likely to be introduced at the end of January due to the required 21 day consultation period.  She added that a surplus had not been made from parking charges in the past and she did not foresee any change to that in the future.  The proposal was to not increase the charges until at least September 2020 and then it would only be subject to a review which would commence in 2019.    

Councillor R Blunt agreed that the recommendations within the strategy were the best way forward and he felt it was important to address the parking situation across the district.  He believed that the new ticket machines proposed that allowed customers to pay by card were a good idea and he fully supported the recommendations.  He also thanked Councillors S McKendrick and J Legrys for the suggestion of the free parking after 3pm in Coalville and believed the scheme would be very successful in encouraging people into the town.

Councillor T J Pendleton fully supported the recommendations and he was pleased that it took into account the needs of the different towns.

It was moved by Councillor A V Smith, seconded by Councillor R Blunt and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)       The Parking Strategy be endorsed.

b)       The following short term actions be agreed:

-        No parking price rises until 2020

-        New short stay car park for Ashby

-        Introduction of free parking after 3pm in Coalville, following the 21 day consultation period

-        Purchase of new ticket machines

-        Consider releasing parking space in Coalville for regeneration (if required)

-        Improve website and signage

-        Introduction of new weekly and monthly tickets for Coalville

-        Amend Brook Street car park in Ashby to a maximum of 1 hour stay

-        Discontinue the Coalville refund voucher scheme

-        Develop parish parking action plans

c)    The funding of the revenue implications in 2016/17 be approved.

d)    The funding of the £140,000 capital request for ticket machines and signage from 2016/17 under spends be approved.

e)    The authority to place the order for new ticketing machines be delegated to the Director of Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.

Reason for decision:  To provide an evidence base and framework for parking related decisions.