Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Director Highways and Capital Projects.

The Assistant Director of Highways and Capital Projects submitted a report (previously circulated) to provide an update on the Resident’s Parking Policy that the Council operates to prioritise on street parking for residents in areas where there is also a demand for visitor parking.

In addition to this Members submitted a Quad of Aims to consider the implications of vehicles of different sizes and emissions when parking within the zones.

The Quad of Aims identified the following outcomes: To provide an incentive to use and ownership of smaller, more sustainable vehicles that will have a positive impact on Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Road Maintenance Budget, provide additional funding for transport policy objectives, reduce severity of road collision injuries and inform any future review of on-street and council car park differential charging.

It was explained that the existing policy had been in place for a number of years and is subject to a review to ensure it meets its current needs. At current there are 16 RPZ zones within the Borough of Darlington. Parking is restricted to permit holders only during the hours of operation which are generally between 8am-6pm seven days a week. Of the 16 zones, 13 are charged for permits at £40 per 12 months, £24 per six months and £12 for a temporary 3 month permit.

The report also included the current policies which influence the Resident Permit Zones, the current Resident Parking Policy, current schemes such as how the Darlington Scheme compares to other Local Authority RPZs, Enforcement and the proposal for a consultation to be undertaken with relevant Ward Members, eligible residents and businesses.

Discussion ensued around how visitor permits would work and ward issues with the enforcement team. Members asked if there is any additional enforcement staff scheduled for the future. The committee also discussed how some of the markings for permit zones have faded which can affect parking.

AGREED – That Members note the report.