Issue - meetings

Report of the Director for Environment and Resident Experience. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member Climate Action, Environment and Transport.

A review of charges that apply to car clubs operating in the borough is being undertaken in advance of the retendering of contracts for car club provision. This is to ensure that charges reflect the value of kerb space and cover the cost of managing and monitoring the scheme.

The Cabinet Member introduced the report and explained that the way that vehicles are used should fundamentally change. It was explained that the vision was for residents to access vehicles when needed rather than defaulting to private ownership. This shift was explained as being essential for creating a more sustainable and equitable transport system. It was noted that car clubs represented a vital component of this transformation. It was stressed that the Council prioritised and promoted sustainable travel modes like walking, cycling and public transport, it was recognised that some journeys will always require a car. It was explained that, by providing an environmentally friendly option for these essential trips, car clubs help break the link between car use and car ownership.

It was noted that the ambition of the Council was to have shared vehicles available on every street, integrated with other sustainable transport options. It was explained that there was a vision of the creation of mobility hubs that combined car club spaces with electric vehicle charging, cycle parking, and enhanced public spaces to transform streets into places that better serve our communities while advancing our climate goals. It was explained that, by opening up the market to more providers, we aim to significantly expand car club provision across the borough. Greater choice and availability will make it easier for residents to access shared vehicles when they need them, helping more people move away from private car ownership.

It was explained that this expansion would support the goal of reducing the total number of vehicles on our streets while ensuring residents retain access to cars for essential journeys. It was highlighted that the strategy aligns with the Council’s broader goals around improving air quality, reducing emissions, and creating more liveable neighbourhoods.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr das Neves, Chandwani and Emery, the following information was shared:

• It was explained that the main purpose of the raising of prices was to bring prices closer to the median of London Boroughs, where Haringey had a low rate currently
• It was noted that there was a current dominance of providers who were already present. Officers explained that the changes proposed would encourage smaller providers to enter the market more effectively.
• It was explained that the current profits made by current car clubs was projected to be £1.4million; an increase in charges would be projected to reduce profits by approximately £50,000, which was not projected to make a significant impact on the profitability of the service.
• It was explained that the proposal would be rationalising charges into one package, which would simplify charges for companies. It was noted that benchmarking with other comparable local authorities put the proposal at the median cost.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.        Approved the following changes to car club permit fee subject to the outcome of statutory consultation.

a)      Increase in the fixed bay (back-to-bay) permit fee from £240 per bay per year to £800 per bay per year:

b)      Increase in the floating  ...  view the full minutes text for item 111