Agenda item

Purpose: To receive the recommendations report following the Task Group activity which reviewed the existing policies, the effect these had upon usage and revenue and the future plans for car parking provision across the district.

The Commission considered a report (Agenda Item 14) concerning Car Parking in West Berkshire.

Andy Day, Head of Strategic Support, introduced the report to Members. He reminded Members that the Terms of Reference were accepted by the Commission at the meeting held on 15^th September 2015 which proposed that a review of car parking across West Berkshire be conducted.

The review considered arrangements for off-street and on-street parking across the district, how they were proposed, implemented and operated – along with any charges incurred through their use. The Task Group proposed nine recommendations which had been detailed within the report.

Councillor Mike Johnston, Chairman of the Task Group, extended his thanks to all those who supported the review. He explained that, through the course of the meetings, it become apparent that car parking across the District was well managed and coordinated. The management process included an annual review of car parking provisions and this considered the developing impact of on-street/ off-street parking.

The Task Group was pleased to see that car parking charges were priced competitively, albeit that the decision could be considered unpopular at times, as the generated funds which could be reinvested into the local highways.

The Task Group suggested that the Car Parking Strategy was reviewed to consider how proposed developments might introduce new challenges around the longer term car parking needs, although it was acknowledged by the group that the review could entail costs.

Mark Edwards, Head of Highways and Engineering, echoed the comments made by Councillor Johnston - he too felt that the review was useful. Mark Edwards advised that the key issue, in his opinion, was the potential lack of car parking spaces if all  the known, proposed planning developments received approval. He advised that the Service continued to consider the best and smartest way to make best use of road space.

Councillor Rick Jones advised that the Task Group discussed the advantages of notifying residents of the Council Car Parking Strategy and it was considered that a leaflet could be developed to provide further detail.

Councillor Anthony Chadley asked whether it was a criminal offence to park a vehicle on the pavement. Mark Edwards advised that it was an offence but Councils did not have the authority to enforce the matter. He explained that, where it was best use of the road, parking on pavements could be permitted and these were clearly indicated where appropriate.

Councillor Alan Macro was concerned to hear that the proposed Market Street Development included car parking for only 60% of the properties – he considered that this was against Planning Policy. Mark Edwards stated that he would liaise with colleagues within the Planning Policy department and provide a response to the Commission.

Councillor Macro was equally concerned to read point 30 within the report: An increase in the number of locations that are subject to on-street parking charges would appear to present an opportunity for the Council to generate additional revenue. Councillor Emma Webster stated that this was merely an observation from the Task Group and reiterated previous comments that funds would be re-invested to meet the ongoing needs of the local highway.

Councillor Macro made reference to recommendation 7 and suggested that it could become increasingly difficult to monitor permitted parking in restricted areas.

Members noted that the Council already had a parking payment system available through the use of a mobile phone application. The Commission accepted the recommendation but noted that the service should consider consistency of systems/ integration with those already in use to avoid unnecessary confusion. Councillor David Goff stated that not everyone would have access to the mobile payment applications and for that reason it was important to make sure alternative methods were available.

Members accepted the recommendations as proposed within the report but suggested that Officers checked the intention of point 9 as this service was already in place:

Resolved that:

(1)  Officers check the percentage of car parking allocated as part of the proposed Market Street development and report back to the Commission.

(2)  Officers check the intention of recommendation 9.

(3)  The report be noted and all recommendations accepted subject to (a) and (b) above.