Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

(a)  To agree the minutes of the meeting of the previous Board held on 5 April, 2017

(b)  Matters arising

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 April 2017 were signed as a true record, subject to the deletion of Councillor Lakha’s name from the list of members present as he was already listed under ‘Other Members’ present.

Further to Minute 35, the Board noted that a number of actions were still outstanding and requested that officers be reminded to progress these at the earliest opportunity.

The Deputy Chief Executive (Place) will present an oral report at the meeting.

The Scrutiny Board considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) which sought approval for the implementation of a new car parking tariff structure and for a review of tariffs to be undertaken every year, starting in April 2019, in conjunction with the Council’s annual review of fees and charges. The report was due to be considered by Cabinet Member for City Services on 28 June 2017.

Coventry City Council adopted the City Centre Parking Strategy in September 2016. The strategy recognised the need to manage off-street parking within a clearly defined hierarchy of uses, together with a parking tariff structure that was clear, coherent and flexible. 

A comprehensive review of the car parking tariff structure was last undertaken in July 2010. A full review of on and off-street car park prices has recently been completed in line with the requirements of the City Centre Parking Strategy and the report outlined the findings of the review.

The Scrutiny Board noted that the rationale behind the tariffs was to encourage people to use the long stay car parks, thus freeing up the short stay car parks. It was hoped that the turnover in the short stay car parks would ultimately generate additional revenue. It was noted that parking for Blue Badge holders was free at all times off street and for up to three hours on-street.

The Scrutiny Board questioned officers on aspects of the report including the rationale behind the introduction of parking charges at Wellington Street and Holmsdale Road car parks and the logic behind the weekly charge being cheaper that the quarterly charge. Members also questioned officers on the parking meters that had been vandalised and asked how long it would take to make repairs.

The Scrutiny Board expressed concern at the introduction of car parking charges at Holmsdale Road as this would have a detrimental impact on the area which was already suffering from on street car parking problems. The Cabinet Member undertook to consider Foleshill as a special case with a view to adding it to the scheme in September.

RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Board:-

(1)  Supports the recommendations to Cabinet

(2)  Requests that the proposals to introduce a pricing policy in Holmsdale Road be deferred until September 2017 to allow the Cabinet Member for City Services to consult the Foleshill Ward Councillors on a scheme that would be less detrimental to the area.

Any other items of public business which the Chair decides to take as a matter of urgency because of the special circumstances involved.

There were no items of urgent public business.