Archived decisions

Contact: Richard Hague, tel 01256 776136 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The introduction of on-street charges in Hart is regarded as an essential element of Hart District Council's parking management. It will control parking demand, encourage travel by other modes of transport and ensure that the best use is made of the facilities available by setting charges at an economic rate within an overall strategy. It will also control demand, increase the use of off-street car parks and maintain access and availability of prime on-street parking spaces to those who need them.

2. Recommendations

2.1 That approval be given to the introduction of on-street parking charges in Hart in accordance with Section 45 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

2.2 That the levels of charge be approved at a rate which reflects the current Hart District Council off-street charges for short-term parking and that a premium rate, currently £5.00, be applied for all day parking.

3. Background

3.1 The County Council has previously approved the introduction of on-street charges in Southampton and Portsmouth prior to Local Government Reorganisation in 1997, in Winchester in 2002, Rushmoor in 2004 and Eastleigh in 2005.

3.2 Since June 2002 Hart District Council has undertaken parking enforcement in the district for both on- and off-street parking. This takes place under the provisions of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) which was brought into operation by Statutory Instrument 2002/1351 with effect from 5 June 2002. On-street parking enforcement is carried out by the District under an Agency Agreement with the County Council.

3.3 The proposed introduction of on-street charges at selected locations is considered an essential element of parking management in the District. A premium charge at these locations is intended to be more effective and a consistent means of regulating parking, encouraging a higher level of compliance and making enforcement easier due to the requirement for parking tickets to be displayed.

3.4 Under the current legislation, revenue accrued from on-street charges is put towards the operational costs of the parking account and any surplus generated is used for improvements to parking provisions, highways and transport. The Agency Agreement between the County Council and Hart District Council defines the use of any surplus in this way and makes provision for the approval of the County Council. The Agreement also requires parking charges to be subject to annual review which accords with the District Council's present policy on the control of off-street parking charges.

4. Charges Proposed By Hart District Council

4.1 Hart District Council's off-street charges for 2007/08 in the town centre car parks are 40 pence for 30 minutes. The proposed on-street charges are set to match this at locations adjacent to the off-street car parks where excessive demand has resulted in indiscriminate parking on unregulated streets. It is felt that these streets would benefit from regulation and the introduction of on-street charges. There are seven off-street car parks within the town centre of Fleet and these can accommodate those wishing to park for longer periods. Displacement to other streets will be subject to further monitoring and restrictions introduced where appropriate.

4.2 The use of various levels of parking charges helps to regulate parking trends and motorists' behaviour. Whilst enforcement serves to regulate any abuse, the implementation of an on-street charge would make enforcement more efficient, requiring only to check whether a valid ticket is displayed.

4.3 A pilot area is to be progressed for Harlington Way to the north of the Civic Offices in Fleet. There are no restrictions here at present and the 25 spaces are occupied, in the majority, by all-day parkers. To introduce a maximum of four hours, no return within two hours, pay and display would promote short-term parking whilst long-term could be accommodated in the nearby off-street car parks.

4.4 The implementation of parking charges in various locations within the District, to free up short-term parking, is seen as vital to maintaining access to, and availability of, appropriate parking facilities for those who need them. Typically close to retail outlets this would enhance opportunities for passing trade.

5. Financial Implications

5.1 Income from on-street charging would be accrued to the DPE fund which in turn is subject to an annual report to the County Council.

5.2 The additional income from the introduction of on-street charging in the pilot area of Harlington Way is estimated at £34,000 per annum. Efficiency savings will be borne in mind as part of the monitoring process and subsequent sites within the district will be considered on the same principles, should this pilot scheme prove successful.

5.3 The income generated within the first two-three years would adequately cover the set-up costs and serve to increase the DPE fund thereafter. There are no cost implications to the County Council.

6. Consultations

6.1 Hart District Council has undertaken local consultation with the retail outlets and the residential community which have supported the proposals to introduce on-street parking charges. The District Council has approved, in principle, the scheme and has provided funds for the provision of equipment.

7. Local Members' Views

7.1 The local Members, Councillors Collett, Glen, Hutcheson, Simpson and Mrs Wheale, support the proposal.

8. Impact Assessments

8.1 Assessment of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has been considered in the development of this scheme which is not expected to compromise equalities in terms of race and gender.

9. Conclusion

9.1 The introduction of on-street charges in Hart would follow the precedent set by the County Council prior to, and following, Local Government reorganisation. Legislation provides for the implementation of on-street charging and Agency Agreements provide for how the income is reported and the surplus used. The Parking Enforcement Agency Agreement with Hart District Council requires the consent of the County Council to implement or review charges, but also determines that consent shall not unreasonably be withheld or delayed. The implementation of on-street charging is regarded as an essential element of the District Council's parking management and will be delivered by Hart District Council under the Traffic Management Agency Agreement.

1381Rpt/RH