URL: https://democracy.canterbury.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1522

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: (Anthony Bullinger – Curzon cinemas and Claire Millet – Westgate Community Trust, spoke prior to the discussion on this item.)   Councillor Alex Ricketts, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Transport and Rural Champion, introduced the report that sets out the proposed changes to charges and conditions in the Off Street Parking Places Order (OSPPO) for the financial year 25/26 and seeks authority to undertake public consultation.   There were three options in the report for Cabinet to discuss:   Option a) To commence public consultation on the OSPPO proposals 1-6 as set out in Appendices 1 and 2 and agree the proposals 7-10.   Option b) To make changes to any of the OSPPO proposals set out in Appendix 1 and 2 and commence public consultation or make changes to proposals 7-10.   Option c) Not to commence public consultation on any of the OSPPO 1-6 proposals or agree proposals 7-10.   The Cabinet Member and Head of Transport and Environment gave clarification where necessary and explained the rationale. The points made during the discussion included:   ·         Clear ‘live’ online information and improved signage for residents and visitors of the available parking options would be helpful – more marketing and digital presence is required. A good start had been made in the previous year and further progress was planned.   ·         A summary of the proposed changes in table 2.9 of the report was provided and further explanation included parking Bands/caps, School Lane, resident's discounts and permits, corporate accounts, and discounts for events.   ·         Suggestions to support the night economy and extend subsidised parking periods in the evening and other possible options were discussed.   ·         Improvements were required to the online registering process for residents permits/discounts.    ·         The main aims of the proposals were clarified including; reducing congestion, to provide as many parking options as possible, encouraging visitors into the city and increase footfall and revenue for businesses, and implementing effective parking measures within the budget constraints, with the minimum financial impact to visitors, residents, and businesses as possible.   The Cabinet member thanked councillors for their supportive and useful ideas and confirmed these themes would be fed into the consultation.   It was proposed seconded and when put to vote RESOLVED:   (1) That public consultation is undertaken on item numbers 1-6, as set out in Appendix 1 and 2 between 14th November to 6th January (Option a).    (2) To resolve the operational and financial proposals as set out in item numbers 7-10.       Record of the voting:    For (9): Councillors Baldock, Dawkins, Dixey, Charlotte Cornell, Chris Cornell, Hazelton, Nolan, Ricketts and Sole Against: None Abstained: None   Reason for the decision: The proposals help to meet objectives of transport, parking and climate change strategies that encourage greater use of sustainable transport and Park & Ride and additional income raised will help to reduce the council’s overall funding gap and maintain essential services.    

Date of Decision: November 4, 2024