Issue - meetings

Report number DOS294 by the Management Accountant, Business Management Services.                                                   (attached)

DECISION:

That the Cabinet:

1.                  Approves the tariffs proposed in Option 3 in report number DOS294 for implementation as of April 2006;

2.                  That fines for failure to display a valid ticket should be increased to £60.00 (reduced to £30 if paid within 7 days);

3.                  That fines for parking for a longer period than paid for should be increased to £40 (reduced to £20 if paid within 7 days);

4.                  That the cost of season tickets should be increased in line with those presented in report number DOS294;

5.                  In light of representations made by members of the public, no charge will be introduced for parking on Sundays, bank holidays or evenings at this time;

6.                  Acknowledge the time taken by Stamford Chamber of Trade and Commerce in putting forward its own proposals for charges. Whilst it could not accept these because they did not comply with the Council’s policy of equalisation, the Cabinet considered that there was merit in some of their suggestions and requested that the Management Accountant consider these aspects.

Considerations/Reasons for Decision:

1. Background paper: report to Cabinet, number DPM229 from 22^nd December 2003;
2. Report to Cabinet, number DOS294 by the Management Accountant in compliance with the Council Policy for biennial reviews of car parking charges, to increase them in line with inflation and to align charges in Grantham and Stamford;
3. Recommendations by the Resources DSP Budget Working Group (26^th October 2005) and the Economic DSP (2^nd November 2005);
4. Over 50% of car parking tickets sold at long stay car parks are for 2 hours or less, where parking for the same period is cheaper than in a short stay car park, meaning the charging structure would need to be altered if long stay car parks are to be used by those with all day parking needs;
5. Existing policy that short stay rates over three hours should be punitive, long stay rates over three hours should be competitively priced;
6. To make Excess Charge Notices punitive would serve as a deterrent against parking violations;
7. Car parking revenue is a major source of income and its surpluses help provide services such as CCTV and Town Centre Management. An increase in charges would also provide a balance between Council Tax increases and ensuring return on assets is maximised;
8. Results of public consultation on car parking provision within Grantham;
9. Suggestions received from Stamford Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Other Options Considered and Assessed

1. Smartcards - To be examined in a future report to Cabinet, these would relieve pressure created by cash collection;
2. Payment on exit – Users would not be time constrained when parking and could return at their convenience. An attendant may be necessary or a help button, which would provide a direct line to someone who could advise accordingly. This option would be considered in conjunction with the development of Welham Street Multi-storey Car Park;
3. Charging for Disabled Parking – whether parking for the disabled should be free, or free for a specified period may  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79