Decision details

To approve:
The re-instatement of on and off-street car parking charges.

All permits to be un-frozen.

Current exemptions for parking charges by the Local Government Secretary for critical key workers will remain in place, affording free parking in Council parking bays without time restriction.

Any residents who wouldn’t normally purchase a permit but who, following government guidance, have to remain at home, will receive a free permit.

The re-instatement of car parking charges will come into effect from 1st June 2020.

This decision would in other circumstances be taken by Cabinet. However, in circumstances where Cabinet is unable to meet to expedite its functions in a timely manner during the COVID-19 pandemic, this decision is being taken in accordance with the power referred to under background below in consultation with Phillip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council. This decision will be reported to the next meeting of the Gold Command Group.

Following the Local Government Secretary decision to allow critical key workers the use of all Council parking without time restriction or charge on 25th March 2020, Wiltshire Council decided to suspend all parking charges for parking including residential areas on 27th March 2020. All valid parking permits and season tickets were also frozen at that time. This was to be reviewed after three weeks in line with government guidance on staying at home and social distancing.

The government guidance changed on the 10th May 2020 with a plan on steps to ease the lockdown conditions. Phase 2 of the easing of lockdown restrictions commences 1st June with the re-opening of primary schools for selected year groups, outdoor markets and car show rooms, with non-essential retail beginning to reopen from 15th June.

Transport capacity will be central to the government plans and local economic recovery. The Council is planning its operations to meet the needs of social distancing and supporting alternatives to passenger transport over the Covid-19 period. Parking charges and enforcement are an important consideration to ensure the traffic movements meet the needs of local communities.

I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the following in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution:

Key decision requirements: yes

Consultation with local members (as appropriate): yes

Consideration of the area boards and delegated decision checklist for officers on the issue of when and how to involve local councillors and area boards in decisions about local services: yes

Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or procedure: yes

Consultation in accordance with requirements and expectations of consultation with the public: not applicable

Range of options available: yes

Staffing, financial and legal implications: yes

Risk assessment: yes

Involvement of statutory officers and/or directors: yes

Regional or national guidance from other bodies: yes

The council’s constitution: yes

This contract is suitable for execution under the e-signature process: Not applicable

The Council considered different trigger dates for the reintroduction of charges, which were tied to the government’s roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions. It also considered options to promote the MiPermit method as the payment method of choice.