Agenda item - Parking Annual Report 2018-19

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

1)            That the Committee endorses the publication of the Parking Annual Report for 2018/19 under the provisions of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

2)            That the Committee authorises the Head of Parking to produce and publish the report, which will be made available on the Council’s website and to stakeholders.

3)            That committee requests a report to committee considering the proposal to significantly increase the provision of on-street cycle parking;

4)            That committee requests that the Assistant Director, City Transport considers inclusion of provision in the annual fees and charges report for the introduction of emissions related variable on-street and off-street car parking tariffs through pay-by-phone

30.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture that requested approval of the publication of the Parking Annual Report 2018-19 for submission to the Department for Transport, Traffic Penalty Tribunal and for general publication under the provisions of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

30.2      On behalf of the Green Group, Councillor West moved a motion to add a recommendation 2.3 and 2.4 as shown in bold italics below:

2.3.     That committee requests a report to committee considering the proposal to significantly increase the provision of on-street cycle parking;

2.4.       That committee requests that the Assistant Director, City Transport considers inclusion of provision in the annual fees and charges report for the introduction of emissions related variable on-street and off-street car parking tariffs through pay-by-phone

30.3      Introducing the motion, Councillor West stated that the level of on-street cycle parking provision in the city was insufficient and urgently needed review. Furthermore, a variable rate of parking charges relating to emissions was achievable as the pay-by-phone system identified the car type and model via the licence plate.

30.4      Councillor Davis formally seconded the motion.

30.5      In reference to paragraph 5.1, Councillor Wares asked who the local parking special interest groups were.

30.6      The Parking Strategy & Contracts Manager clarified that these were Local Action Teams and the Chamber of Commerce.

30.7      Councillor Wares stated that he supported the Green Group motion. Councillor Wares noted that parking surplus continued to grow year on year and he believed that at some point, the council should look toward reducing permit charges for some groups such as business and trader groups and teachers and carers.

30.8      The Parking Strategy & Contracts Manager replied that such a proposal could be examined as part of the annual Fees & Charges report.

30.9      Councillor West observed that the council’s objective of reducing emissions and air pollution by promoting more sustainable methods of transport would represent a challenge in the near future as this would reduce parking income and solutions to that gap needed to be considered.

30.10   Councillor Moonan commended the report that was open and transparent about the council’s approach to parking. Councillor Moonan stated that the Administration cared passionately about achieving carbon neutrality and part of that process would be to disincentivise travel by car. Councillor Moonan stated that consideration should be given to borrowing capital to make the step change required.

30.11   The Chair then put the motion to the vote that passed.

30.12   The Chair then put the recommendations as amended to the vote that were agreed.

30.13   RESOLVED-

1)            That the Committee endorses the publication of the Parking Annual Report for 2018/19 under the provisions of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

2)            That the Committee authorises the Head of Parking to produce and publish the report, which will be made available on the Council’s website and to stakeholders.

3)            That committee requests a report to committee considering the proposal to significantly increase the provision of on-street cycle parking;

4)            That committee requests that the Assistant Director, City Transport considers inclusion of provision in the annual fees and charges report for the introduction of emissions related variable on-street and off-street car parking tariffs through pay-by-phone