Agenda item

The Panel received two reports which provided an update on the Parking Transformation Programme as well as an update on parking related reports that were scheduled be considered by Cabinet over September and October: The Parking Management IT System (PMIS) and Civica extension; Blue Badge and Disabled Bay Operational Review; and the Nuisance Vehicle Contract. The two reports were introduced by Ann Cunningham, Head of Operations for Neighbourhoods and Environment. The following was noted in discussion of this agenda item:

a.    The Cabinet Member advised the Panel that many of projects listed under the Parking Transformation Plan were at a fairly embryonic stage and that she would welcome the Panel’s input. The Chair requested that the Parking Transformation Plan come back to the next meeting for a further discussion on these proposals and how the Panel might get involved.

b.    In response to a question, officers confirmed that parking revenue income was due to increase over the next three year period and that this was largely as a result of an expansion of Controlled Parking Zones and the introduction of a number of moving parking controls. Officers set out that an extension of the existing CPZ network was only done in response to support from local residents  and that they there was a 2 year waiting list due to the demand. CPZ coverage of the Borough was at around 80%.

c.    In response to a question, the Panel was advised that parking restrictions were enforced from 8am to 10pm and as part of the Parking Transformation Plan, officers were looking at extending this to 24 hour controls in and around Wood Green, in response to the growing demand on parking spaces from the night time economy.

d.    The Panel welcomed the additional investment in to parking controls and made a plea for a strategic approach to be adopted in response to CPZs. Officers acknowledged this and advised that this was one of the main reasons for examining the policy, in order to adopt a strategic approach and formalise some of the polices and learning that had been adopted.

e.    The Panel raised concerns about the potential impact of CPZs and the knock-on effect it could have on parking in neighbouring roads that were not part of a CPZ.

f.     In response to comments about abandoned cars and a perception that cars were not being taken away even after being reported, officers advised there were a series of checks and criteria that had to be met before a car could be removed. Officers set out that in a number of cases, following further investigation, vehicles were found not to be abandoned and could, for example, just have been sat there for a couple of weeks.

g.    The Cabinet Member agreed to send round a short briefing that she had drafted previously around abandoned vehicles. (Action: Cllr Chandwani).

h.    In response to further questions, the Cabinet Member commented that Ward Councillors could instigate a local petition to have a CPZ installed and agreed to circulate a briefing on how this process worked to the Panel. (Action: Cllr Chandwani).

i.      In response to a request for additional traffic calming measures , the Panel was advised that this was a strategic transport issue and fell within Cllr Hearn’s portfolio. The Cabinet Member agreed to circulate a breakdown of the respective portfolios of the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and the Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Sustainability. (Action: Cllr Chandwani).

RESOLVED  

That the Panel noted the updates provided in respect of the Parking Transformation Plan and the parking related Cabinet reports.