Contact: Tony Brown ext 7955 email: [email protected]

Jonathan Barnes, ext 7520 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Project Appraisal for the implementation of a car park information system, including the installation of eight variable message signs in Winchester, at an estimated cost of £200,000, be approved, subject to continued availability of funding.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following Aims of the Corporate Strategy:

(i) Aim 2 (Stewardship of the Environment). By maximising the efficiency of the road network and reducing the number of journeys undertaken looking for car parking spaces, the proposals will help reduce congestion and emissions, and improve the environment for all users of the city.

(ii) Aim 3 (Achieving Economic Prosperity). Reducing congestion around and within Winchester will maximise the available road network, reduce delay and improve access to the city. By providing information on when car parks are full, motorists may be encouraged to use the Park-and-Ride service.

(iii) Aim 5 (Improving Services). By building and improving on existing services and giving road users improved information about available parking spaces, motorists will avoid unnecessary journeys.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 To continue to use those variable message signs (VMS) that remain operational to direct motorists to car parks with available spaces, and permanently set those non-operational signs to replicate existing `static signs' such that they direct the motorist to the car park nearest to the VMS. This option is not recommended as the users would lose further confidence in the system as signs became more unreliable.

3.2 To switch off the car park monitoring system and remove the VMS entirely. This option is not recommended as it would remove the ability to influence driver behaviour and reduce the Authority's scope to manage traffic in Winchester effectively and deliver improvements in air quality.

3.3 To retain the car park monitoring system but remove the VMS entirely, with car park occupancy information made available on-line via the ROMANSE on-line website only. This option is not recommended as it would limit the ability to influence driver behaviour in much the same way as the option discussed above. It would also require static signing to replace the removed VMS.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member 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 M J Kendal

983Decn/TB/JB