Issue - meetings

That:

(a)  The update to the Council’s Car Parking Strategy 2019-2029 be noted.

(b)  The recommendation for Christmas Car Parking charges be approved and includes the Town Centre Covid Recovery free car parking on the Midway as noted within the report and authority be delegated to the Executive Director – Commercial Development & Economic Growth, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centre’s and Growth to implement these charges.

Cabinet considered an update on the council’s Car Parking Strategy 2019 – 2029, setting out the plans and ambitions for car parks for the ten year period.  The current strategy had been adopted in 2019 but it was considered appropriate to review and refresh it to ensure it supported both the users of car parks and town centre businesses while also ensuring operational costs were met.  The council was working with partners including the Business Improvement District and was maximising the use of technology. 

It was noted that new ticket machines had been installed to enable users to pay by card; there was also the option to pay by phone.  It was proposed that free parking by offered at Midway from 9.00am – 1.00pm in the run up to Christmas and thereafter the charge would be £1; this was suggested to be in place from 1 October 2021 – 5 January 2022. 

The council had written to the Secretary of State to request Business Rate Relief for car parks in the borough to promote the back to business following the impact of the pandemic but a response was still awaited.

Resolved: That:

(a)  The update to the Council’s Car Parking Strategy 2019-2029 be noted.

(b)  The recommendation for Christmas Car Parking charges be approved and includes the Town Centre Covid Recovery free car parking on the Midway as noted within the report and authority be delegated to the Executive Director – Commercial Development & Economic Growth, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centre’s and Growth to implement these charges.