Agenda item

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) that was also considered by the Communities and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Board (4) at their meeting on 28^th June 2017 (their minute 4/17 referred), that sought approval to implement 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.

Coventry City Council adopted the City Centre Parking Strategy in September 2016. The strategy set out a number of the aims, issues, key objectives and policies and provided a comprehensive framework for parking within Coventry city centre for the next decade. The purpose of the strategy was to clearly define the vision for parking in support of the development and regeneration of the city centre, recognising 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 all car park prices was last carried out during 2010. The majority of tariffs have remained unchanged since then and many haven’t changed significantly since 2003. During that time the operational running costs of the Council’s car parks have continued to increase as has the cost of using public transport. 

On-street parking during the evening (from 6pm) within Coventry city centre is free.

Parking for Blue Badge holders is free at all times off street and for up to three hours on-street. 

A full review of on and off-street car park prices had recently been completed in line with the requirements of the City Centre Parking Strategy and the report set out the findings of the review and the proposals for a new car parking tariff structure. 

The Cabinet noted that the report had been considered by the Communities and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Board (4) at their meeting on 28^th June 2017, and a briefing note setting out their recommendations had been circulated. The Board:

1.  Supported recommendations 1) to 3) and 5) and 6) of the report to Cabinet.

2.  Recommended that the Cabinet Member for City Services revisited recommendation 4) of the report regarding the proposals for Holmsdale Road, in conjunction with the Foleshill Ward Councillors, and the implementation of any resulting proposals be delayed until September to enable the consultation to take place.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet:

1)  Notes that the Communities and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Board (4) endorses recommendations 1) to 3) and 5) and 6) of the report to Cabinet.

2)  Agrees that, in respect of recommendation 4) of the report, the proposals for Holmsdale Car Park be revisited, in conjunction with the Foleshill Ward Councillors, and that the implementation of any resulting proposals be delayed until September 2017 to enable this consultation to take place.

3)  Approves the revision to the car parking tariff structures in order to ensure that prices are coherent and consistent.

4)  Agrees that, subject to the approval of recommendations 1) and 2) of the report, instruct officers to commence the process of advertising the relevant Notice of Variations to come into effect during August 2017.

5)  Approves the recommendation to make Wellington Street car park chargeable in accordance with the tariff structure for suburban car parks, subject to consideration of any objections in accordance with the applicable legislation.

6)  Agrees that officers be instructed to commence the process of advertising the Notice of Proposals for Wellington Street car park following the implementation of the Hillfields Residents Parking Scheme within the area, and delegates authority to the Cabinet Member for City Services to consider any objections received in response and make a determination accordingly.

7)  Agrees that, there being no objections received within the relevant statutory time period to the Notice of Proposals for Wellington Street car park, delegates authority to officers to proceed with the Notice of Making and make the amendments to the Off Street Parking Places Order.