Issue - meetings

This report proposes changes to the Kingston Road Car Park in Stoneleigh Parade to include annual permit parking options for residents, non-residents and businesses as well as the availability of daily parking using cashless alternatives.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved by majority vote to:

(1)          Authorise the Director of Environment, Housing and Regeneration to publish such notice and/or make such order as is considered necessary to propose the amendment of the Off Street Parking Places Traffic Order in respect of the car park in Kingston Road (Stoneleigh Parade) to include the following:

·                     Annual parking permits for residents and non-residents/businesses; and

·                     Daily, evening  and Sunday parking fees for visitors parking for over 3 hours, payable via cashless parking methods.

The Committee received a report proposing changes to the Kingston Road Car Park in Stoneleigh Parade to include annual permit parking options for residents, non-residents and businesses as well as the availability of daily parking using cashless alternatives.

The Committee received a verbal introduction from the Parking Manager.

The following matters were raised by the Committee:

a)            The increase in prevalence of longer-wheel-base delivery vehicles, as a result of the pandemic and the growth of the gig economy.  It was noted that at present, there are two designated bays in the Car Park (which cater for longer vehicles), but that further specific bays will not be designated at present.  It was also confirmed that it is not planned to levy an additional charge for a longer vehicle and also that when applying for a permit, an applicant would not have to specify what length of vehicle the permit is being applied for.

b)            Enforcement issues: it was confirmed that compliance with parking arrangements (length of vehicle, payment options) would be monitored and enforced by EEBC’s Enforcement Officers.

c)            Availability of parking bays for residents: a query was raised regarding the availability of parking bays for residents, the concern being that residents would purchase a permit and then possibly not find an open bay to park in. It was confirmed that it is unlikely that the Car Park would ever reach capacity (based on current usage).  Once the consultation period is over (in the event that the recommendations are approved), there will be a clearer indication of the number of permits/bays that would be taken up by residents.

d)            Financial implications:  a query was raised regarding the financial implications of the proposal.  It was confirmed that there is sufficient budgetary provision to cover the costs of signage and related expenses.  It is anticipated that the Car Park will become a source of revenue for EEBC.  The Car Park currently does not generate any income, however the proposals would allow for some revenue to be generated which will contribute to the costs of its upkeep.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved by majority vote to:

(1)          Authorise the Director of Environment, Housing and Regeneration to publish such notice and/or make such order as is considered necessary to propose the amendment of the Off Street Parking Places Traffic Order in respect of the car park in Kingston Road (Stoneleigh Parade) to include the following:

·                     Annual parking permits for residents and non-residents/businesses;

and

·                     Daily, evening  and Sunday parking fees for visitors parking for over 3 hours, payable via cashless parking methods.