Decision details

To consider parking options to support the town centre economy.

The Cabinet Member with the Leisure and Local Environment Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to a number of car parking initiatives, in the town centre, to support the town centre economy.

The submitted report stated that it was proposed to retain the car parking offers introduced in June 2018 (Minute C11/Jun/18  refers) and, in addition to those offers, provide a ‘Free on Sunday’ initiative for all Council operated pay and display car parks, Feethams Multi-Storey car park and all on-street pay and display parking bays, to further stimulate town centre trading and to encourage greater use of the town centre;  both offers would run until 1 May 2020 when a review would be undertaken on their impact; the Council would work with businesses to promote the offers in order to encourage support for the town centre; and outlined the costs of the initiatives.

It was reported that further initiatives were being developed as part of the review of the Town Centre Strategy and Future High Streets Fund to encourage town centre activity including plans to develop Duke Street and the Imperial Quarter, to increase the amount of parking spaces available in those arears, as they were some of the busiest parking areas, and to refurbish Abbots Yard Card Park.

Discussion ensued on the funding for the initiatives; the perceived discrimination against those residents who used other forms of transport such as public transport; other options considered; the importance of marketing initiatives in a positive way; the health and well-being implications of more cars being driven into the town centre; the importance of supporting sustainable transport; and other initiatives that could benefit from the funding being used for this initiative such as supporting town centre living.  The Cabinet Member with the Leisure and Local Environment Portfolio and the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services responded thereon.

RESOLVED - (a)  That the proposed ‘Free on Sunday’ initiative be introduced from 1 November 2019 in all Council operated pay and display car parks, Feethams Multi-Storey car park and on-street pay and display parking bays, to run until 1 May 2020 with a review taking place ahead of the end date as referred to in (c) below.

(b)  That the parking offers introduced in June 2018 be continued to cover the same period as the ‘Free on Sunday’ offer as referred to in (a) above, the  offer being:

      (i)          two hours free car parking in specific car parks located outside of the ring road; and

     (ii)          East Street car park having an offer of all day parking for £2.00.

(c)  That both the ‘Free on Sunday’ initiative and the parking offers introduced in June 2018 be reviewed ahead of May 2020, to:-

      (i)          determine their impact;

     (ii)          consider them in conjunction with the emerging Town Centre Strategy as it is developed; and

   (iii)          have regard for the Council’s overall financial position.

(d)  That plans be developed that can be consulted on to increase the amount of parking spaces available in Duke Street and the Imperial Quarter areas.

REASONS - (a)  To approve the amendment to charges.

(b)  To enhance the attractiveness of the town centre to visitors and residents.?????