Archived decisions

Contact: Graham Carter 01962 857810/Neville Crisp 01962 848484

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That an Order be made under Sections 1, 2, 4, 32, 35, 45, 46 and 51 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be to amend limited waiting parking bays in various roads in Winchester to become 'Pay and Display' limited waiting parking, as specified in Appendix 3 of this report and shown on the attached location plan.

2. Reasons

2.1 The proposals have resulted from a review of parking and waiting restrictions in Winchester, some of which have already been approved and implemented, and a recommendation to Winchester City Council's Planning and Transportation Policy Review Committee in liaison with the local Members, Councillors Mrs Dickens and Mrs Peskett, Winchester City Council Members and the Police. The recommendation was not only agreed by the Committee but has since been endorsed by the full Council.

2.2 The proposals are in keeping with policies related to parking and traffic management in general and in relation to the local transport plan, the Winchester Movement and Access Plan policies and Winchester City Council's parking policies. The proposals reflect the market demand for parking spaces and attempts to balance supply and demand and discourage all day parking in the city centre through the level of charge and thus ensure that space is available for shoppers, tourists and visitors. This should also promote the vitality and viability of commercial and retail sectors of the city centre by ensuring that there are spaces for those who need to park on-street which will continue to make the city attractive to people who arrive by car.

2.3 The charges provide a consistent approach to parking provision, with the level of charges in similar towns and within individual towns being broadly comparable. The charges are the same as those currently used in the short stay car parks in the city centre. The charge is proposed to be 30p for each period of 30 minutes:

Period Charge

Up to and including 30 minutes £0.30p

31 minutes to 60 minutes £0.60p

61 minutes to 90 minutes £0.90p

91 minutes to 120 minutes £1.20p

2.4 The proposals are intended to:

(i) take into account supply and demand by rectifying the anomaly of providing free parking in the most desirable parking spaces whilst charging in car parks;

(ii) be more consistent by charging at the same rate for parking on-street and in car parks;

(iii) reduce the amount of circulating traffic seeking free spaces in prime positions;

(iv) ensure that those who really need to park in a particular street have preference over those who simply seek out free parking; and

(v) generate income to support the wider parking service and pay for an improved service. The additional revenue will help to offset the deficit currently incurred by the on-street parking account.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Thirty-one letters were received following the formal advertisement (see Appendix 1 for list of correspondents).

3.2 Appendix 2 summarises the proposals that were advertised in the draft Order, gives details of the objections received together with officer's comments and makes recommendations on each proposal.

3.3 Appendix 3 details the advertised proposals for Andover Road, Colebrook Street, High Street, Hyde Street, Market Lane, North Walls, St  Peter Street, Symonds Street, The Square, Tower Street, Upper High Street, Victoria Road, Wales Street and Water Lane, which are recommended for implementation. It is recommended that the advertised proposal for College Street should not be proceeded with on the grounds of adverse environmental impact in this particularly sensitive area.

3.4 Councillors Mrs Dickens and Mrs Peskett and other local representatives have been re-consulted under the normal agency arrangements by Winchester City Council and have confirmed their support for the proposals to be implemented as recommended in this report. The proposals also have the backing of the full City Council.

4. Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or a member of officer consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

7538/GSC