Agenda item - Norton Road Car Park ~ Sunday tariff

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

That the Committee authorise a 6-month trial of free parking at weekends for hotel guests at Norton Road Car Park (Option 2)

95.1         The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing that set out options for a reduction to half the weekly rate for Sunday parking charges at Norton Road car park as requested by Policy & Resources Committee on 5 December 2013.

95.2         On behalf of the Conservative Group, Councillor Cox formally moved a motion to add a further recommendation as shown in bold italics below:

2.2              That the Committee authorise a 6-month trial of free parking from 1800 hours to 0900 hours Monday to Friday, and all day Saturdays and Sundays, for vehicles displaying a valid Zone N Residents’ Parking Permit

95.3         Councillor Cox stated that whilst he was pleased a report had been produced, he did not think the proposals went far enough. Councillor Cox explained that the car park was under used partly due to the free parking at the local supermarket and on Sunday on George Street. Councillor Cox added that local residents with Zone N permits should be allowed to use Norton Road car park for free which would in turn free up on-street parking for residents and visitors and potentially become a de-facto park and ride with its excellent bus links. Councillor Cox supplemented that there were anti-social behavioural problems associated with the car park and introducing such measures could stop that downward cycle. Furthermore, Councillor Cox did not believe there would be any significant financial implication if the motion was accepted.

95.4          Councillor Janio formally seconded the motion adding that he too believed there would not be any significant financial implications and the proposal may promote use of the car park in the long-term.

95.5         The Chair asked the Head of Transport Operations if it was his view that there would be any significant financial implications to the motion.

95.6         The Head of Transport Operations stated that it was difficult to ascertain the financial impact of the proposal as limited data was currently available. The Head of Transport Operations added that the car park was currently open free of charge between 8pm-8am.

95.7         Councillor Mitchell stated her concerns regarding the capacity if both the measures proposed in the report and the Conservative Group motion were both accepted. Councillor Mitchell asked if there was a current waiting list for Zone N permits.

95.8         The Head of Transport Operations clarified that there was not currently a waiting list for Zone N permits.

95.9         Councillor Hawtree asked how the 6 month trial of free parking at weekends for hotel users would work.

95.10     The Head of Transport Operation confirmed that permits would be available on a pay-by-phone system and participating hotels would control the issuing of the permits. The Head of Transport Operations added that the system would be monitored by sample spot checks.

95.11     The Chair then put the Conservative Group motion to the vote which was not carried.

95.12     RESOLVED- That the Committee authorise a 6-month trial of free parking at weekends for hotel guests at Norton Road Car Park (Option 2).