Issue - items at meetings - Free parking on Sundays

Report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

That the Committee decides to refer alternative suggestions for parking charges to the annual review at the end of the year for consideration (option 3).

9.1         The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing in relation to Charging Options in Relation to Sunday Parking; the item was also linked to a petition which was listed as Item 5(c) on the agenda. At Council on 27 March 2014 a petition was presented to ‘introduce free Sunday car parking and on street parking across Brighton & Hove,’ an amendment was tabled “that the petition is referred to the Policy & Resources Committee for consideration accompanied by a full Officer report on the proposal, including an estimate of the costs of partial or full implementation of free Sunday parking and an impartial assessment of the advantages and disadvantages.” The Committee were asked to consider three options for parking: i) Citywide free parking on Sundays; ii) partial free parking on Sundays; and, iii) to refer alternative suggestions for parking to the annual review at the end of the year for consideration.

9.2         The Chair noted that an amendment had been put forward by the Conservative Group and invited Councillor G. Theobald to propose the amendment. Councillor G. Theobald stated the Group had sought to be helpful by specifying suggestions as part of the amendment, and they were of the view that a full report should come forward on these matters as there was real concern from residents. There was scope for targeted measures to help traders and address the perceived negative image the city had in relation to parking. Reference was made to measures taken by Worthing Borough Council to reduce parking charges, and there was a need to assist local businesses. Councillor G. Theobald added that Brighton & Hove had one of the largest parking surpluses outside of London, and some of the existing car parking facilities in the city were currently underused.

9.3         Councillor A. Norman formally seconded the amendment.

9.4         Councillor Morgan stated he would not support the proposed amendment, and he felt that the recommendation as listed in the report was the most appropriate and practical approach. He expressed concern about some of the wording of the proposed amendment and felt it could potentially lead to displacement parking in more outer lying areas of the city. Councillor Morgan wanted to see a fair policy that gave provision for road safety schemes that had not come forward during the roll out of the 20mph zone, and wished to support local traders through the best use of the city car parks.

9.5         Councillor J. Kitcat referenced the success of the city economy, and its status as a seaside resort nationally. He did not believe that Worthing Borough Council represented a like for like comparison, but agreed there was always scope to consider targeted measures across the city as part of the Annual Parking Review. It was noted that recent changes had been implemented to allow greater flexibility.

9.6         Councillor Peltzer Dunn stated he would support the amendment, and noted that it sought to provide a series of suggestions. He noted the proposals for Option 3 and requested that in relation to paragraph 4.3 of the report there be a full list of alternatives with reasons as the amendment sought action to this extent. In response the Executive Director stated that this was an appropriate approach to take.

9.7         The Chair added that in light of feedback from the Annual Review changes made been made year on year.

9.8         The Chair put the amendment to the vote which was lost.

9.9         The Chair then put the recommendation as per the report to the vote.

9.10      RESOLVED: That the Committee decides to refer alternative suggestions for parking charges to the annual review at the end of the year for consideration (option 3).