Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Operations.

Executive Councillor: Mrs M L Beuttell.

The Cabinet:

§  evaluated the investment proposed;

§  approved the adoption of Option B (as outlined in paragraph 4.3.1 of the report now submitted);

§  adopted the proposed framework to implement off-street car park charges; and

§  approved the new charging structure to enable “Pay for What You Use”.

The Cabinet received and noted a report by the Head of Operations (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) seeking the approval of technology investment in the management of off-street car parks, endorsement of the proposed framework for setting and implementing off-street car park charges and approval of a new charge structure which enables a “Pay for What You Use” approach.

In introducing the report, the Executive Councillor for Operations and Regulation reported that the proposal supported the aims of the Corporate Plan to become more efficient and effective in the way the Council delivers its services and the Council’s commitment to becoming a more customer focused organisation. At the conclusion of her presentation, the Executive Councillor for Operations and Regulation proposed the adoption of Option B, as outlined in paragraph 4.3.1 of the report now submitted. In response to a question, it was confirmed that a maximum charge of £4 per day would be incurred if service users forgot to “tap” their cards out on the car park machines upon departure.

Having thanked the Executive Councillor for Operations and Regulation and Officers for their efforts in identifying and reviewing all options presented and in noting the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth), the Cabinet

RESOLVED

(a)  that Option B (as outlined in paragraph 4.3.1 of the report now submitted) be adopted;

(b)  that the proposed framework to implement off-street car park charges be adopted; and

(c)  that the new charging structure, to enable “Pay for What You Use” be approved.

Members are to receive a report on Off Street Car Parking Investment and Affordability.

With the aid of a report by the Head of Operations (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) Off-Street Car Parking Investment and Affordability was presented to the Panel. In introducing the report the Executive Councillor for Operations and Regulation informed Members that all the changes will take between three and four years to roll out.

A Member asked if consideration been given to those residents who forget their vehicle registration or enter the incorrect vehicle registration, however no response was given.

A comment was made in respect to the communications of the changes. In response, the Panel was informed that once the decision to invest has been taken, then a full communications plan will be put in place.

In response to a query on additional car parking income, it was explained that the changes are to encourage dwell times and through this additional paid for parking time income is anticipated to increase. It was also noted that as the charging structure is altering to allow the customer to pay for what they use a direct comparison between existing charges and new charges cannot be made.

Members were informed that where pay for what you use is implement, 50% of customers have swapped over to use the check in, check out service. It was stated that the customer would need a debit or credit card to take advantage of the service and that customers using cash payment would have to pay for a set amount time upfront.

Concerns were raised over the amount of personal data being collected; however Members were informed that personal data will only be viewed by authorised personnel and will be managed and deleted in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation. The Parking Service is audited by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to ensure they are fully compliant in managing any personal data, failure would result in a withdrawal of our ability to have access to vehicle keeper information. It was confirmed that the Council has never failed to meet these requirements. Data for statistics will be anonymised but will still provide the Council with enough information to be able to make better and more informed decisions.

Following a question as to why the Council are not charging in all car parks, the Panel was informed that it would not be economically viable for the Council to charge for parking in some car parks. It was clarified that the Task and Finish Group agreed early on that Sundays should not be charged and existing small non-town based car parks without charge should remain so with opportunities explored to transfer them to community ownership where possible reflecting their main use. In addition, blue badge holders will not be charged for parking.

A Member commented that they expected pushback from the public in regards to changing the charging schedule without the improvements and that openness on the future improvements will be required. It was clarified that the charging schedule will only be changed once  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56