Agenda item

[Report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Transformation and Public Realm Investment]

To set out the investment in parking schemes and programmes for 2021.

The Cabinet Member for Transformation and Public Realm Investment introduced the report which sought approval for the Parking Investment Plan for 2021/22 financial year.  There were a number of outcomes from the plan, including removal of footway parking, reviewing CPZs and reviewing visitors parking permit policies.

In response to Councillor Bull, the Cabinet Member advised that all signage was uniform across the county in accordance with the Department for Transport guidelines and could not be amended by the Council.  Nevertheless, it could be possible to add additional signage to provide a clearer understanding of parking zone boundaries.

The Cabinet Member responded to questions from Councillor Emery:

-           The Cabinet Member advised that she was aware of the issues with the two proposed CPZs in Muswell Hill where certain roads were not covered by either CPZ, and advised that officers were looking into how this could be best dealt with.  Ward Councillors would be updated.

-           Phase 1 and 2 of the contactless payments were identified by looking at footfall areas and how the parking bays were used.  There was a wider framework document which could be circulated to Councillor Emery.

RESOLVED to

1.         Approve the Parking Investment Plan for 2021/22 financial year as set out in section 6 of the report,subject to the consultations not raising any significant or substantial issues; and

2.         Give delegated authority to the Head of Highways and Parking, consequential on the Parking Investment Plan:

·      To make decisions relating to scheme design and implementation;

·      To carry out consultation;

·      To consider representations received in response to consultation and to report significant or substantial concerns back to the relevant Cabinet Member; and

·      To make traffic management orders, where there are no valid objections.

Reasons for decisions

Parking matters to a wide range of stakeholders. Residents need sensible, safe and fair access to their homes, whether they are drivers or users of other forms of transport. For many residents, sustainable modes of transport will be the preferred option.  It is therefore essential that the borough’s controlled parking zones (CPZs) complement walking and cycling measures as well as improving public transport reliability.

For others, using the car is the only option to retain independence, necessary for work, to get around or to make busy and complex lives work. The approach to parking needs to balance all these demands so that residents feel we are have given regard to their needs, whilst considering the Council’s commitment through Haringey’s Transport Strategy to increase journeys taken by walking and cycling, helping to improve air quality and the health and wellbeing of our residents. 

Businesses require adequate loading provision for their servicing needs. Some also consider easy access to parking an important aspect to draw people into our town centres and shopping areas.

Parking is also considered important by partners, whether it is the emergency services and their need for quick access to situations, or cultural and arts organisations and their desire to attract audiences from outside as well as within Haringey.

However, the Council’s Transport Strategy clearly identifies its vision for less reliance on the private car, especially for short journeys which can easily be undertaken (by most people) by walking, cycling and public transport.

A balance therefore needs to be struck to ensure modal shift and helping our town centres thrive, which is not just important for the businesses and organisations affected but also for the economic regeneration of an area. It is also important to consult with emergency services to ensure adequate access is provided for them.

Alternative options considered

The proposed programme prioritises new CPZs having considered residents’ views. The review of existing CPZs is in line with the Controlled Parking Policy agreed by Cabinet in March 2020 and will address concerns raised by residents. This will also support the Council’s modal shift aspirations.

The programme will also be consolidated to take account of schemes delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Where possible, those schemes will now be implemented in the coming year, details of which are provided in Appendix 1.

Other programmes (such as removal of footway parking and provision of electric vehicle charging points and car club bays) will also help contribute towards supporting modal shift and use of less polluting vehicles.  These measures will help increase walking and cycling, thereby reducing air pollution and help towards addressing the climate emergency.