Decision details

(a)      That the continued use of parking reviews, as part of the Council’s traffic management programme, be approved;

(b)      That it be noted that individual parking reviews will be carried out as part of the Council’s traffic management programme over the next two years (2018/19 and 2019/20), with any proposed changes being the subject of action plans for the town in question and subject to further consideration;

(c)      That it be noted that the outline proposals to introduce on-street parking charges as set out in the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy will not be taken forward at present.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

Continuing to undertake parking reviews in county towns as parts of its traffic management programme will help ensure that the Council continues to meet its statutory duties and support the local economy, in line with its strategic priorities.

The Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy 2018/19-2021/22 included proposals for on-street parking charges, which had been estimated to produce £600,000 per annum from 2019/20.  However, whilst this is feasible, there are wider economic issues that require further consideration.  Given this, and ongoing national economic uncertainty (particularly in relation to Brexit), it is not considered that it would be appropriate to pursue this at present.