Agenda item

This paper is an update of the paper submitted to the Scrutiny Panel in September 2011 and sets out the Council’s approach to parking issues in Bath, providing a framework for managing car parking spaces for the period 2013 to 2026. The plan will be developed as part of the Bath Transport Strategy and covers all aspects of car parking.

The Transportation Planning Manager introduced this item to the Panel. He explained that the report was an update of the paper submitted to the Panel in September 2011 and sets out the Council’s approach to parking issues in Bath, providing a framework for managing car parking spaces for the period 2013 to 2026. He added that the plan will be developed as part of the Bath Transport Strategy and covers all aspects of car parking including:

·  On and off-street parking;

·  Park and Ride;

·  Future parking demand;

·  Residential parking standards and enforcement;

·  Management issues.

He spoke of how the aim of the strategy is to help improve the quality of life of the people of Bath by establishing a balance between the social, economic, cultural and environmental needs of the whole community.

He stated that a central objective was to reduce the need for drivers to travel to and from the city centre reflecting concerns about the impact of traffic congestion and carbon emissions on the environment and the historic fabric of the World Heritage city, while providing parking provisions that meet a sustainable demand.

He said that the strategy would complement policies to reduce traffic in the central area of Bath by controlling the availability of parking spaces, both on and off street, and by managing the overall supply to meet priority uses.

The objectives of the policy are to:

·  Manage travel demand by introducing restraint-based car parking standards to avoid the over provision of car parking spaces and provide disabled ‘blue badge’ parking spaces

·  Sustain and enhance the vitality and viability of Bath by the introduction of transport policies which support the prosperity of the city and provide a balance of good public transport and short stay parking;

·  Effectively manage the total parking supply which include all types of parking and consider short stay priorities, regulation, charges and enforcement.

Sally Rothwell, Circus Area Residents' Association and Vineyards Residents' Association addressed the Panel. A copy of the statement can be found on the Panel’s Minute Book.

Councillor Lisa Brett asked if it would be possible to link the North Central Zone with areas 7 & 16.

Sally Rothwell replied that she felt residents were prepared to be flexible on this matter.

The Chair asked if that proposal could be taken on board.

The Transportation Planning Manager replied that he would consult with the Cabinet Member for Transport on that matter through the review process.

The Chair asked if the consultants will be asked to review residents parking.

The Transportation Planning Manager replied that they would and added that the results of that would not necessarily have to wait for the draft strategy work to be completed. He said he would again consult the Cabinet Member for Transport for her view.

Henry Brown, Chairman of the Federation of Bath Residents Association addressed the Panel. A copy of the statement can be found on the Panel’s Minute Book.

Councillor Les Kew commented that he felt the report was disappointing and showed no vision.

Councillor Will Sandry commented that he felt there was a risk to services and a loss of revenue if car parks situated in the centre of Bath closed before further Park & Ride provision was put in place.

Councillor Liz Richardson commented that the use of the Park & Ride needs to become a more attractive offer to the public and suggested charging per vehicle as opposed to per person and introducing an off-peak charge.

The Transportation Planning Manager replied that current Park & Ride services were working well and that usage of the service was increasing. He added that the service was under the control of First so it would be them that set the charging levels.

He said that the Residents Parking Guidance documents had been devised by the Head of Parking Services and should be shared with the Panel.

The Chair summed up the debate and stated that collectively the Panel felt frustrated that it had taken so long to reach this position. She added that the Panel would like to see work progressing on the issue of residents parking outside the collective work of the strategy.