Contact: Dominic McGrath, ext 6594 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That consent be given, in accordance with Section 39(3) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, to maintain a scheme for parking in New Forest District Council owned car parks which incorporates a `parking clock', subject to the following conditions:

(a) the payment clock system is permitted for two years only, from January 2008, ending December 2009; and

(b) two classes of clock are permitted:

- a `shoppers' (short-stay) clock, initially at £10 per annum¹

- a `district wide' clock, initially at £80 per annum.

(ii) That the Director of Environment be given delegated authority to liaise with New Forest District Council officers to secure agreement to measures to prevent the potential abuse of the Hythe Ferry clock scheme, whilst maintaining the ongoing viability of the ferry service by ensuring that adequate affordable parking is available.

(iii) That consent be given, in accordance with Section 39(3) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, for the formal opening to the public of the St John's Street car park, Hythe on market days.

2. Reason

2.1 District and Borough Councils are required by legislation to seek the County Council's consent for the introduction of, or variations to, Parking Orders governing the management of off-road car parks. The effective management of car parks contributes to all of the Council's corporate aims, contributing to personal safety, supporting economic vitality and linking to the local environment.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 The option of not consenting to the continuation of the clock scheme was considered and rejected. Given the fact that the scheme has been in place for four years and is operating satisfactorily, there is no sound basis for refusing consent.

3.2 The option of granting consent on a permanent basis was considered and rejected. In view of issues raised in the report (uncertainty over the application of clocks to on-street parking, possible future variation of the Hythe Ferry clock) it is felt appropriate to reserve the County Council's position for the future.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - as Councillor Kendal is both the decision maker and Leader of New Forest District Council he has a personal interest. The decision has therefore been referred to the Executive Member for Performance, Efficiency and Communications.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - None.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor C Davidovitz

Executive Member for Performance,

Efficiency and Communications

1426Decn/DMcG