Issue - meetings

This report:

(1)  Outlines the development of a new Parking Strategy and steps taken to reach a final draft of the document. The Parking Strategy seeks to be in line with all other relevant Council policies and provides a strategic framework against which future decisions may be made.

(2)  Outlines the development of a new Coach Park at Odd Down Park & Ride to complement the Council’s Placemaking Plan and to enable the regeneration of Avon St coach and car park into Bath Quays North.

(3)  Outlines the parking charge proposals, developed in line with the outcomes from the Parking Strategy, to be promoted through the necessary statutory process.

Sian James read out her statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix and on the Council's website] where she expressed her concerns about the Strategy, in particular an impact that short stay car parking would have on air pollution.

Sian James read out a statement on behalf of Fiona Powell [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix and on the Council's website] where she expressed her concerns about the Strategy, in particular on lack of detail on car volumes and movements.

Christine Boyd read out her statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix and on the Council's website] where she highlighted outcomes of the Charlotte Street Car Park survey conducted by her and another resident.

Andrew Lea addressed the Cabinet by saying that the Cabinet should not make the decision based on inaccurate information.  Andrew Lea also said that Park and Rides were at its maximum capacities only during peak times at Christmas period.

Annie Kilvington read out her statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix and on the Council's website] where she said that residents should not be rewarded by driving to Bath and parking on a short stay basis, and why the Council did not asked DEFRA for comment.

Patrick Rotheram (FOBRA) read out his statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix and on the Council's website] where he said that the Council had been mandated to bring air pollution below the legal limit as soon as possible.  Although FOBRA had supported increased long-term car park charges to encourage commuters to use the Park and Ride, they felt that reducing car park charges for B&NES residents would encourage more local traffic and could well cancel out any reduced commuter use.

Councillor Richard Samuel made an ad-hoc statement where he said that residents would want to see an improvement in air quality, and this Strategy would take the Council backwards in terms of achieving its goals.  Councillor Samuel expressed his concerns that key recommendations from the CTE PDS Panel had not been taken into account.

Councillor Dine Romero made an ad-hoc statement where she said that short term car park pricing would not benefit the residents and it would increase air pollution.

Councillor Paul Crossley made an ad-hoc statement where he said that the Strategy would not put the residents first.  The Council should encourage reduction in car usage, reduction in air pollution, repair the potholes and encourage bus use.  Councillor Crossley urged the Cabinet to reject proposals.

Councillor Alison Millar made an ad-hoc statement where she said that the Council should stop encouraging car use as residents’ health was at risk.  Councillor Millar asked the Cabinet to promote bus use and consider funding bus subsidy.

Councillor Mark Shelford thanked all officers for their hard work on this issue.  Councillor Shelford also thanked Camden  ...  view the full minutes text for item 176