Agenda item

The Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity to submit a report providing Cabinet with an overview of the options for car parking charge increases and advising on the introduction of a cashless payment service in Council owned car parks.

Cabinet APPROVED the incorporation of a period of public consultation on the two car parking charge options within the wider Corporate Strategy 2020-2024;

Cabinet APPROVED the implementation of a free trial for cashless payments in Council owned car parks within Melton.

Councillor Leigh Higgins, Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity introduced the report, the purpose of which was to provide Cabinet with an overview of the options for car parking charge increases and advise on the introduction of a cashless payment service in Council owned car parks.

Councillor Higgins provided a brief summary of the report highlighting the recommendations at paragraphs 3.1 and 3.2.  It would be over five months before any changes would be brought into force as a result of the proposed public consultation and it was intended to implement the free trial for cashless payments in Council owned car parks on 1 April 2020.

Councillor Higgins highlighted that the proposed options for car parking charge increases would result in an increase in £150k annual revenue for the Council (a further £7k would be generated from the introduction of a 20p charge for designated 20 minute bays (which were currently free).  These bays were valued by customers but the forthcoming consultation would confirm if the public wanted to keep them.  The option to charge a nominal fee for evening and Sunday parking was in respect of St Mary’s car park only.  It would bring charges in line with car parks located next to it and the revenue generated from that specific proposed charge would be used to support environmental projects.  Customers would be given the option to purchase season tickets and park at reduced prices for long-stay parking.  Ticket prices would be reviewed and increased every two years (from 2021 and in accordance with inflation).  Customers would also be given the option to maintain the current profile of charging across the week, with Tuesday continuing to include a premium or equalisation of pricing across the week.  Income generated through Option B would be a little more than Option A.

Councillor Higgins commented that the Welsh Government had undertaken a review in relation to car parking charges and had found that price increases throughout Wales had not negatively impacted on footfall.

Councillor Higgins commented that Members considered it important to continue to provide disabled parking bays free of charge.

During discussion the following points were noted:

·         Members welcomed the report.  Car parking was an  contentious issue but prices were higher in some local areas. A Member asked if by comparison the nearest town to Melton was subject to greater or less car parking charges.  The Regeneration Manager advised that he would look into this query and would provide Members with the information outside the meeting;

·         There had not been a review/increase in car parking charges for four years;

·         A season ticket was clearly good value.  This should be promoted in the consultation;

·         The Tuesday premium charges were implemented in 2010/11 to encourage the ‘green agenda’.  The Council could consult with the Cattle Market to find out if customers travelling from further afield, as well as local people, were in favour of equalising the pricing across the week to reduce the Tuesday premium;

·         Council web pages about season tickets for car parking needed to be improved, particularly in relation to the display of ticket prices;

·         A Member raised the possibility that the proposed changes, once implemented could result in increased parking in residential areas.  It was highlighted that the Council employed Enforcement Officers to deal with problem parking but drivers were able to park insured and taxed vehicles on any roads they wished, providing there were no prohibitions.

·         The introduction of a cashless payment system was positive.  The technology would be convenient for customers and would benefit the community.

DECISIONS (KEY)

1)    Cabinet APPROVED the incorporation of a period of public consultation on the two car parking charge options within the wider Corporate Strategy 2020-2024;

2)    Cabinet APPROVED the implementation of a free trial for cashless payments in Council owned car parks within Melton.