Agenda item - PROPOSED INCREASE IN CAR PARKING TARIFFS 2021-22

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – REGULATORY

To consider the proposed car parking tariffs in North Hertfordshire District Council’s off street car parks.

RESOLVED:

(1) That the proposed off-street car park tariffs for 2021/22 as set out in Tables 1 to 5 at Appendix A be adopted;

(2) That the proposed increase in season tickets prices of 2%, for 2021/22, as set out in Table 6 at Appendix A, for each of its long stay car parks in Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City and Royston be agreed;

(3) That it be agreed not to increase the charges for business permits for 2021/22 for its car park at St. Martins Road in Knebworth as set out in Table 7 at Appendix A.

(4) That it be agreed not to increase the charges for resident permits, visitor permits, business permits or visitor tickets for resident permit zones for 2021/22.

(5) That the proposed tariff changes, as detailed in (1) and (2) above be agreed and be implemented as soon as practicable after lockdown ends, but not before 1 September 2021 and that officers in consultation with the Executive Member and Deputy for Planning and Transport proceed with the implementation as required.

(6) That officers be encouraged to explore and prepare a business case for alternative methods of payment for on and off-street parking, including investigation of pay on exit within the council’s multi-storey car parks.

(7) That delegated powers be granted to the Service Directors – Regulatory and Resources in consultation with the Executive Members and Deputy for Planning and Transport and for Finance and IT to consider and agree requests for subsidised parking within the council operated car parks.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To implement an increase in car parking tariffs and season ticket prices 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.

Audio recording – 2 hours 22 minutes 40 seconds

The Executive Member for Planning and Transport presented the report and addendum entitled Proposed Increase in Car Parking Tariffs 2021-22 together with the following appendix:

· Appendix A - Proposed 2021/2022 Tariff Increases for NHDC Off-Street Managed Car Parks.

He drew attention to the following:

· Car park charges had not been increased last year;

· The Council had a duty to cover the costs of parking facilities;

· There were some concerns regarding recovery of town centres;

· Implementation of the increases could be delayed until June 2021 or September 2021.

Councillor Ian Albert, Chair of Hitchin Committee, presented the referral from the meeting of that Committee held on 2 March 2021 regarding Ward Matters and Outside Organisations (Parking Tariffs), The Committee had made the following recommendations:

(1) That the Proposed 2021/2022 Inflationary Tariff Increases for NHDC Off-Street Managed Car Parks be implemented;

(2) That Officers be encouraged to review the balance of short, mid-term and long stay spaces in the car parking estate in Hitchin;

(3) That Officers be encouraged to explore options for pay-on-exit or other alternative payment collection systems to facilitate ease of use and accurate charges.

The following Members took part in the debate:

· Councillor Ruth Brown;

· Councillor Judi Billing;

· Councillor Steve Jarvis;

· Councillor Keith Hoskins;

Member comments included:

· That the parking situation at the Biggin needed to be progressed;

· That the increased charges should be implemented in September 2021;

· That full review of parking was needed, including consideration of alternative payment methods;

· That Members should be aware of the financial forecast difference between implementing the increases in July and September

The Strategic Infrastructure & Projects Manager advised that:

· The charging bands had been discussed by Cabinet in March 2020;

· This proposals being considered were as a result of building on the previously agreed figures;

· Resident parking/season tickets would be discussed with the Executive Member for Planning and Transport and the Service Director – Resources;

The Service Director – Resources advised Members:

· That the forecast would depend on the level of demand;

· The impact in the first 3 months if the increases not implemented would be less as the Government guarantee would apply;

· After that guarantee each quarter delay would cost £25.000. This figure assumed that usage in all quarters were equal throughout the year;

· July and August were high usage months.

Councillor Paul Clark proposed, Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb seconded and it was: