Decision details

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

(1)   Noted the summary of comments and responses received to the Proposed Parking Tariff consultation at section 8.2 and the more detailed comments at Appendix C.

(2)   Agreed to adopt the proposed off-street and on-street car park tariffs for 2025/26 as set out in Tables 1 to 6 at Appendix B as outlined in paragraphs 8.2.11 and 8.2.12 of this report, referred to as Option 3.

(3)   Agreed not to increase the charges for Season Tickets for each of its long stay car parks or business permits for its car park at St. Martins Road in Knebworth for 2025/26.

(4)   Agreed to increase the charges for resident permits, visitor permits, business permits and visitor tickets for resident parking zones for 2025/26 as set out in Section 8.4 of this report.

(5)   Agreed that the proposed tariff changes, as recommended and approved in paragraphs 2.2 above, are implemented as soon as practicable, and that officers in consultation with the interim Executive Member for Planning and Transport proceed with the implementation as required.

(6)   Agreed that the proposed increases for resident, visitor and business permits and visitor tickets in resident parking zones, as recommended and approved in paragraphs 2.4 above, are implemented as soon as practicable, and that officers in consultation with the interim Executive Member for Planning and Transport proceed with the implementation as required.

(7)   Agreed to the implementation of customers paying for parking sessions whilst parked and charging within ‘designated electric vehicle charging bays only’ later in the financial year 2025/26 as set out in section 8.5 of this report and that the Service Director - Regulatory in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Transport proceed with the implementation as required.

(8)   Agreed that Officers proceed with the issuing of the necessary Notice of Variation to the 2024 Off[1]Street Parking Traffic Regulation Orders and the 2023 On-Street Consolidation Order as required to implement the increases recommended at 2.2 and 2.4 and approved above.

(9)   Noted as part of the pay on exit scheme set out in paragraph 8.3.1 of this report that visitors will be charged the maximum period of stay for that car park if they do not ‘Check Out’ after completing their parking session.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To implement an increase in car parking tariffs and permits within resident parking zones in order to effectively manage their use and in accordance with the Council’s fees and charges policy as set out in its Medium- Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). To set car parking tariffs that support the achievement of modal shift away from private car use and to help support the vitality of town centres.