The Board received the Car Parking Charges Review
report introduced by the Richard Paterson, the Director of Finance
& Resources.
In April 2019, Integrated Transport Planning Ltd
(ITP), an independent expert consultancy firm, were asked to
provide support to APPCT to inform a review of existing car parking
arrangements at APP. Following this review, ITP helped APP develop
proposals for the introduction of parking charges across the site.
There was a stakeholder survey on the charges conducted from
11th November 2019 to 10th January 2020,
which gained the views from stakeholders, beneficiaries, visitors
and residents. The implementation of car parking charges in July
2023 achieved its intended objectives, but income levels have not
met initial expectations.Pricing was reviewed to enhance
transparency and fairness. The recommendation for approval at this
meeting is to raise the hourly rate from £1.50 to
£1.75, while retaining the first hour free for
customers.
The following points were noted in the
discussion:
- Members
inquired about the frequency of car parking at Alexandra Park and
Palace. The response indicated a lack of specific data but noted a
significant number of repeat parkers. Only 17% of total parkers
stay beyond 4 hours, while 22% stay less than two
hours.
- Another query
pertained to the calculation of reducing free parking from 30 to 15
minutes. However, this has not been calculated due to logistical
considerations, particularly for events, which is why the half-hour
cutoff was introduced.
- Cllr
O'Donovan raised a concern about the potential increase in people
leaving their cars overnight, particularly if they are inebriated
and hesitant to pay the increased fee of £21 instead of the
previous £8, which might lead to an inclination towards drink
driving. The Board was informed that there had been no incidents to
date.
- The presence
of two stewards in the car park at all times was primarily to cover
comfort or lunch breaks and occasionally to assist in other areas
of the car park. Their role included providing assistance and
guidance to visitors regarding parking regulations, contributing to
a welcoming atmosphere at Alexandra Park. Recently, their working
pattern had been adjusted to start later, allowing them to monitor
parking behaviours more effectively.
- In comparison
with other London boroughs, it was noted during the Car Parking
Charges review that our proposal is cheaper than parking in
Haringey car parks. Despite several suggestions for further
increases, our focus was on simplifying the process while raising
charges.
- The Chair
noted that while many London venues rely on public transport,
Alexandra Park and Palace's provision of car parking is both an
asset and a necessity. It offers convenience for visitors and
essential accessibility for those with disabilities.
- The Board was
briefed on exemptions from car parking charges for registered
disabled individuals, as well as for other groups such as ice rink
users.
ACTION:
- To provide
the Board with an update on the observed effects of implementing
the car parking charges in six months' time.
AGREED:
The Board resolved to:
- With the
exception of the first 30 minutes which will remain free, to
approve the increase in car parking charges to a flat rate of
£1.75 per hour.