Agenda item

Claire Onslow, Business Unit Leader Parking Services advised that the current Parking Strategy expired in 2020. She reminded the Committee that a cross party working group had been set up to lead on refreshing the strategy and Parking Matters Ltd had been appointed as the consultant.  This high-level strategy provides a 10-year strategic framework for the future management of the Council’s car parks with the overall objective to support   sustainable economic growth.  The strategy has a 5-year rolling action plan to ensure it remains agile and relevant in the current and future economic climate and takes into account the anticipated impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.   The prediction for economic recovery has been based on previous economic recessions.  She noted that the Working Group had agreed the document in principle and if it was approved today Council would consider adoption in December 2020. 

Several Members of the Working Group welcomed the comprehensive document,  thanked the Working Group and officers and expressed support for the recommendations. 

Members discussed Electric Vehicle Charging points (EVCs), the use of digital technology to manage the Council’s car parks, subsidised parking for retailers and future use of car parking sites.

The Business Unit Leader for Parking Services reiterated that this was a high-level document and further work streams would provide more detailed proposals for Members to consider in due course. She noted that as part of a separate sustainability work stream a tender was underway and work would start next year on installing 26 new EVCs. Any future demand would be identified in the Investment Strategy. 

Judy Holmes, Assistant Chief Executive advised the Council has not been approached to provide subsidised parking for retailers and the Council’s approach would be to work with all employers to encourage the use of season tickets. Each request would be considered on a case by case basis.  She confirmed the Working Group had seen evidence to support the proposals in the Strategy and Action Plan.

Stephen Hillier, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth added that Cabinet would discuss any such request.  The Chairman noted that Waitrose in Burgess Hill subsidises car parking for its customers to raise footfall in its store.

Members discussed how the Government’s aim to promote and encourage support of local businesses would integrate with the strategy and the future size of parking spaces.

The Business Unit Leader advised that a feasibility study of each car park, would identify the community’s needs, as a one size fits all approach is not appropriate.  This work will inform the development of the strategy.

Councillor Gary Marsh, Chairman of the Parking Strategy Working Group thanked the members of the working group and Parking Matters.  He reminded Members that it is a high-level strategy and a long-term plan.  He urged members to support the recommendations.

Members expressed concern with the change of shopping habits due to Covid-19 and discussed employment travel plans, season tickets and tariffs.

The Business Unit Leader for Parking Services commented that the Council must take stock of their estate and future plans.  Modal shift work starts in 2022 and the Council will work with employers and West Sussex County Council to ensure their travel plans are monitored. The future operation of season tickets and the tariffs is being explored in feasibility work and will be reported back to Members. A virtual season ticket would give the Council more options for a flexible tariff, more agility and meet customer demand.

Rob Anderton, Divisional Leader for Commercial Services and Contracts advised that the Working Group discussed season tickets at length and concluded that the are still an important part of the overall parking offer. The Council will still provide season tickets.  They are used by local residents and workers as well as commuters. 

In response to a Members question on the comparison of tariffs of adjoining authorities and the duration of the action plan, the Assistant Chief Executive advised that Lewes District Council already has a differential parking tariff regime and Wealden do not charge for parking.  The strategy provides a framework for the strategic direction which is in line with the District Plan, a rolling action plan allows for agility.

The Chairman asked how many pay and display car parks have the Park Mark accreditation and was it the Council’s aspiration to get all car parks accredited.  The Business Unit Leader advised she would report back on the number already accredited, and future investment is planned to obtain accreditation for more car parks. 

The Chairman confirmed that Cabinet would receive an annual review on the Parking Strategy.  

As there were no further questions the Chairman took the Committee to the recommendations which was agreed with 12 votes in favour and 1 abstention.

RESOLVED

That the Scrutiny Committee for Planning, Housing and Economic Growth:

a.   Considered the Parking Strategy and Action Plan 2020 – 2030 and Covid Addendum and provides comments and observations to Council.

b.  Recommended to Council that the Parking Strategy and Action Plan 2020 – 2030 be approved.