Agenda item

This report seeks the Panel to consider and discuss draft proposals developed to address the climate emergency and meet strategic objectives of the Parking Strategy to take to Cabinet in February 2020.

Chris Major Group Manager – Transport and Parking introduced the report.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor O Brien raised the following points – Officer responses are shown in italics.

·  Caution should be used regarding residents permit schemes in less prosperous areas of Bath. The officer explained that there are 21 residents parking zones throughout the area and more are being considered, residents are generally in favour. Residents cars still cause pollution and these vehicles for short journeys.

·  Regarding Proposal E – Overnight and evening car park tariff Bath, there is often no late night public transport alternative. This could seem like a money making proposal. The officer explained that private car parks do have fees of this type.

·  Regarding Proposal K – Charges for Blue Badge holders when using Keynsham car parks, this is contrary to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. I would challenge this. The officer thanked Councillor O Brien for her feedback.

Councillor Davies suggested that in any role-out of a new scheme, innovative solutions could be found to avoid the cliff edge of increased charges to resdients. Some examples are to offer a long lead in time to charges or apply charges at the time people buy their next car.

Councillor Davies asked officers to consider whether it was possible to introduce differentiated charges in the Council's pay for parking on streets and car parks. These charges would be based on the same principles being suggested for changes to the parking permits and could use the Mipermit system already in place. The officer thanked Councillor Davies for his feedback.

Councillor Craig stated that she did not agree with charges for Blue Badge holders as they do not have the choices that others have. She also stated that there should be some help for low earning residents who live inside the CAZ.

Councillor Born stated that she agreed with a long lead in time regarding charges for residents permits. She stated that she supported any measures that could help the situation regarding coach parking at the time of the Christmas Market and also supported closing loopholes regarding G – Medical permit review and H – Hotel permit review.

Councillor Rigby stated that there should be fairness and consistency in this area and that officers should look at how many permits there are as opposed to spaces. She also stated that officer could look at the size of vehicles. The officer explained that the DVLA does not show the size of vehichle.

Councillor Rigby stated that she welcomed Hotel permits being reviewed (Proposal H) and that residents should be the top priority.

Councillor Walker stated that on the last day of the Christmas Market the city centre was completely full and there was no parking. She suggested that VAS signs be installed at Odd down advising people to use the park and ride.

Councillor Bromley stated that consideration should be given to reducing residents parking permit charges in more deprived areas of the city and also that RUH workers should be encouraged to use public transport.

Councillor Malloy stated that she agreed that blue badge holders should not be charged and agreed that residents permit charges in Weston and other areas should be differentiated.

Councillor Walker stated that all coaches should use the park and ride sites and  visitors should be made to use the park and ride buses to come into the city.

The officer thanked all Panel members for their feedback.

The panel RESOLVED to pass the above comments on the proposals to the Cabinet Member.