Issue - meetings

Review of Parking Charges

Purpose

The report proposes changes to pay and stay parking charges and season ticket charges. The report also proposes the introduction of charges for Sunday parking based on the tariff for Monday to Saturday pay and stay charges.

Recommendations

That Cabinet considers and approves:

1. The revised pay and stay parking charges set out in Annex B of

the report effective from 1 April 2024.

2. The revised season ticket parking charges set out in Annex C of

the report effective from 1 April 2024.

3. That the differential applied to season ticket charges for the

Whiteway Car Park is increased from 71.3% to 75.3% as set out

at paragraph 3.3.

4. The introduction of charges for Sunday parking based on the tariff

for Monday to Saturday pay and stay charges effective from 1

April 2024.

5. That the charging period for Sunday parking is as set out in the

table at paragraph 3.5.

6. That chargeable times on Sunday at Maugersbury Road are

changed from 10am - 4pm to 10am - 6pm to align with the wider

proposals for Sunday charging set out in this report.

7. An update to the Parking Order to consult on the implementation

of recommendations a to f set out above.

8. Delegating authority to consider the Parking Order consultation

responses to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the

Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The report proposed changes to pay and stay parking charges and season ticket charges. The report also proposed the introduction of charges for Sunday parking based on the tariff for Monday to Saturday pay and stay charges.

Councillor Dale, Cabinet Member for Economy and Council Transformation, introduced the report and outlined the following points:

Parking charges were last examined 2 years ago and then frozen in 2022. However, the financial challenges faced by all councils meant that an increase would be required.
The increase to charges were not as high relative to other areas which were in-line with inflation and the timing for charges would be aligned for all car parks.
It was highlighted that the introduction of Sunday charging had been consulted upon and that the Council would delay charging until 12 midday to allow worshippers of religious groups to park free of charge for certain car parks.
It was noted that season ticket membership for the Whiteway car park would remain discounted to encourage its use but other car parks would go up in line with inflation.

It was noted that the decision taken by Cabinet was part of the objective to achieve a balanced budget and to cover the costs of services.

It was also commented that the Budget Consultation Feedback had also been included as part of consideration of the formulation of the proposal.

It was highlighted by Cabinet that the Sunday charging proposals recognised the change of people’s habits when it comes to the economy, and it was important to protect the revenue provided as any surplus goes towards providing important services such as public conveniences.

It was noted that the change to car parking fees would also be part of the budget fees and charges in February but that the decision would allow for the required consultation process to be completed.

It was recognised that whilst raising charges was not an easy decision, it was important to avoid severe financial challenges that other councils such as Thurrock had faced.

Councillor Dale proposed the report’s recommendations and Councillor Evemy seconded.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet considered and approved:

1. The revised pay and stay parking charges set out in Annex B of

the report effective from 1 April 2024.

2. The revised season ticket parking charges set out in Annex C of

the report effective from 1 April 2024.

3. That the differential applied to season ticket charges for the

Whiteway Car Park is increased from 71.3% to 75.3% as set out

at paragraph 3.3.

4. The introduction of charges for Sunday parking based on the tariff

for Monday to Saturday pay and stay charges effective from 1

April 2024.

5. That the charging period for Sunday parking is as set out in the

table at paragraph 3.5.

6. That chargeable times on Sunday at Maugersbury Road are

changed from 10am - 4pm to 10am - 6pm to align with the wider

proposals for Sunday charging set out in this report.

7. An update to the Parking ... view the full minutes text for item 218

Issue - meetings

Review of Parking Charges

Meeting: 11/01/2024 - Cabinet (Item 218)

Related Pages