On the commencement of lock-down numerous operational considerations were taken in relation to the safe operation of public services and protection of the public in terms of reducing the transmission of the virus. One consideration was whether to suspend parking charges.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Lockdown resulted in the effective closure of town centre activity and as such the demand for parking decreased significantly.
The suspension of parking was considered appropriate to help manage the following:
- The safety of the public who needed to use facilities. Reducing the risk of transmission by removing the need to make contact with ticket machines.
- The safety of staff managing car parks who would have to enforce and service machines. Therefore, reducing the risk of transmission and protecting our staff.

The financial impact was considered and there will be an impact on predicted levels of income in the MTFP. However, given lockdown was going to reduce demand and the levels of parking income pre-Covid could not be reasonably be expected achieved the public health benefits were considered to outweigh any potential income that may be received.

The suspension of parking supported key workers and NHS staff to provide services more easily during lockdown.

Equality Impacts:
The suspension of parking charges was not considered to have any negative impacts in terms of equality.

To suspend parking charges in council parking areas.

Reasons - To reduce the risk of transmission of the virus amongst the public and to protect staff from exposure.

None.