Agenda and Draft Minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 15 January 2007 as a correct record.

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the meeting held on the 15^th January 2007 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman

There were no declarations of interest reported

To receive questions from members of the public present at the meeting.

No questions had been received from members of the public

a.                  To receive a presentation from RTA Associates Ltd on the Off Street Car Park Charging Study and results of the Parking Compliance Surveys. A copy of the Study and Survey are attached.

b.                  To question RTA Associates on the above documents.

c.                  To consider a report of the Head of Safer Communities on Car Park Management (attached).

d.                  To question the Head of Safer Communities on his report.

e.                  Conclusions (if any)

Statement by Chairman of the Committee

 

The Chairman stated that any future decision to introduce any regime of car parking charges in the Borough would be a major policy decision that would need to be taken by Full Council.  It would not be a decision that could be made by either the Prosperity Scrutiny Committee or Executive.

 

(Note

In accordance with Rule No.31 and with the prior permission of the Chairman, Councillors C V Burgess and D I Hough addressed the Committee on this matter).

 

Car Park Management Interim Report

 

The Committee considered a report of the Head of Safer Communities regarding car park management. 

 

Executive had commissioned an in-depth study focusing primarily on the use and management of designated shopping car parks within the Borough.  The study was commissioned to be delivered in 3 phases. 

 

·           Phase 1 focused on the current situation i.e. condition of car parks, current management practice and current car park usage levels. 

·           Phase 2 focused on future options for change which would include management options, costs and the views of stakeholders.

 

1. Councillor Brown asked who had decided which car parks should be designated as shopping car parks. 

 

In reply the Head of Safer Communities stated that car parks had been designated following an internal assessment. Car parks that had not been initially designated as shoppers car parks could be included in future car park management schemes.

 

Phase 3 of the study would be the preparation of a business case.  However, before this could be undertaken a consultation with the following key stakeholders would be undertaken; Borough Council Members, Chambers of Commerce, Market Town Initiatives, Cheshire County Council Highways Department, Town/Parish Councils in Alsager, Middlewich, Sandbach, Congleton and Holmes Chapel, and the Police.

 

2. Councillor Goodall asked how much the study had cost and requested clarification regarding the financial information relating to each of the 4 options included in the report. 

 

In reply, the Head of Safer Communities stated that the study had cost £23,000 which had been allocated from the 2006/2007 budget.  The Head of Safer Communities outlined financial information for each of the options and stated that the information had been reviewed by the Council’s Finance Manager. 

3. Councillor Grayson asked whether there were any statutory guidelines regarding the proposed consultation process.

 

The Head of Safer Communities stated that in accordance with the Compact there would be a minimum 12 week consultation period, however there were no statutory guidelines.

 

4. Councillor Grayson asked if an information pack for key stakeholders was being produced.

 

In response, the Head of Safer Communities stated that an information pack would be put together, however, the methodology for the consultation had not been finalised.

 

5. Councillor Moran asked whether the timescales for implementation of car park management schemes were realistic.

 

In reply, Peter Lowe stated that the timescales identified in the report were realistic however any timescales would be dependent on a desire to implement a car park management scheme.

 

6. Councillor Kolker suggested that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Mr S Jones – Head of Safer Communities

Mr P Lowe – RTA Associates Limited