Agenda item

The Committee will receive a report which updates members on the actions taken since the Car Parking Strategy Review in March 2015, including the following:

·       Details the full implementation of charges that were approved;

·       Updates on the types of asset transfers that have occurred to local communities and the next steps;

·       The position on the introduction of new technologies;

·       The predicted income shortfall following the proposed charges;

The Committee is asked to note and comment on the actions to date following the Parking Review and makes any comments on the proposed approach.

The Committee received a report updating members on the actions taken since the Car Parking Strategy Review in March 2015. This included details on the full implementation of charges that were approved, updates on the types of asset transfers that have occurred to local communities, the introduction of new technologies, and the predicted income shortfall following the proposed charges.

The Committee was asked to note and comment on the actions to date following the Parking Review and make any comments on the proposed approach.

Cllr Philip Whitehead introduced the report and explained that the Parking Review had reduced charges across the county. He observed that this meant that Wiltshire had gone 6-7 years without increased charges, in contrast to the rest of the country.

Cllr Whitehead spoke of identified parking issues and strategies in Chippenham. He informed the committee that there was a shortage of parking in Chippenham and that this was creating issues for the shopping centres. He explained that he had been asked to reduce charges but determined that would further exacerbate the problem, with workers taking up spaces rather than shoppers. He spoke of some initiatives being looked into such as Free parking days and other incentives. He praised the “Free after 3 pm” policy in Salisbury, stating that it had benefited the shops, and said that it was being considered for other areas.

Cllr Whitehead then sought to inform members on the plans for the introductions of new technologies. He said that he was in re-negotiations for cashless payments, via mobile phones, after explaining that excessive charges had been incurred by customers. He said that he was looking for an arrangement whereby there were no such charges on “mobile” payments. He addressed concerns that some members of the community, such as those who were vulnerable, disabled or elderly, may not be able or willing to use the cashless system. He said that they would seek to trial cashless payments in smaller car parks near to larger car parks, still operating a cash payment system, in case they are unable to pay via phone. He said that it was part of a long term strategy with the ultimate aim of making savings and efficiency.

Cllr Whitehead also informed members that the cash machines in car parks were going to need updating due to the pound coin being changed in 2017. This, he said, was to reduce fraud but it would be at a considerable cost to the Parking budget in the short term.

The chairman invited technical questions on the Parking Review.

Questions were asked regarding the application of paperless tickets to residential permits. Cllr Whitehead explained that it was similar to paperless tax disks and presented no issue being electronically managed.

A question was asked about maintenance of car parks and whether regular works would be done by Wiltshire Council. Cllr Whitehead replied by saying “there is only one budget” and that with a reduced budget they were limited on what they could do. He did, however, say that when it came to matters of safety, Wiltshire Council would be responsible for maintenance.

A member asked whether asset transfers of car parks were being considered, particularly to local Town and Parish Councils, whereby funds could still be made to Wiltshire Council. Whilst they were aware of  this as an option , it was not seen  as an immediate solution, or as part of the current strategy.

Finally, it was asked how much money was collected parking fines and the figure was given, by the Parking Services Officers, as between £800,000 and £1,000,000. Although, it was clarified that this was revenue and not profit, as you have to factor in running costs.

Resolved

To note the reported actions to date following the Parking Review.