Browse

Agenda item

Car Parking Charges in Westbury

To receive a report and update.

Minutes:

Sally Hendry, Westbury Community Area Manager, presented the report on the harmonisation of car park charges across the county and the recent developments in Westbury.

 

Westbury Town Council had been negotiating with Wiltshire Council and an agreement had now been made to retain one hour’s free car parking in the town’s car parks. The Town Council had invested money in order to achieve this.

 

Councillor Dick Tonge, Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, reported that there were many anomalies with car park charges across the county which needed to be harmonised. A survey of the current charging structures across the county was being carried out at present and a draft report would follow. A public consultation would then take place on the subsequent proposals, and it was expected that this would begin in approximately six weeks’ time.

 

Councillor Tonge explained that public car parks were very expensive to operate due to costs such as resurfacing, enforcement and payment of business rates. He explained that Wiltshire Council did generate an excess in funds from car park charges, but that this subsidised local bus services. The local buses in Westbury were subsidised by £60,000, and the total cost of subsidising buses in the county was approximately £12million.

 

Councillor Tonge provided assurance that the matter would be brought back to the Area Board for consultation prior to implementation.

 

The following points were raised in the discussion that ensued:

 

·         Town Councillor Mike Hawkins stressed that every town was different and had differing needs, and urged that these differences were taken into account. He added that the larger towns had larger businesses compared to small towns such as Westbury, and the smaller units would be most affected.

·         Councillor Tonge stated that the proposal was to ‘band’ different sized towns. He also highlighted that all towns have their own arguments and so it was difficult to please every town.

·         In response to concern raised from a member of the public, Councillor Tonge assured the public that the consultation would be open to everyone, and that all members of the public would have the opportunity to put forward their views. Nothing would be implemented until April next year.

·         Councillor Hawker also added, in response to concern, that the proposals would be brought to the Area Board for consideration prior to any final decisions being made.

·         Concern was raised regarding the method of consultation, as the Car Parks Working Group had been under the impression that the consultants would talk to them directly about the issues. Councillor Tonge stated that it would be too costly for the consultants to talk to individuals, but that those with particular concerns would be contacted.

·         In response to a question from the Town Mayor, Councillor Tonge confirmed that any new proposals would be communicated to town and parish councils in plenty of time for precept setting.

 

Councillor Tonge introduced Bill Parks, who was the new Divisional Highways Manager, and stated that Bill had taken over all highways and amenities activities in the Westbury Area and should be contacted with any concerns that people may have.

 

 

Supporting documents: