Further to the meeting of Cabinet held on 16^th June 2020, the Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) setting out the enabling projects required to deliver the wider aspirations as set out in the Traffic & Parking Policy Statement, particularly the Administrative Zones, Permit Parking Concessions and Digitisation of services. The report also set out the financial commitments required to deliver the overall Parking Review 2020 project, together with the investment required to support a trial period of a new parking concession for residents, the Southend Pass.

Resolved:-

1.    That the following be approved:

a)     Parking Administrative Zones (Section 4 of the report)

As described in the submitted report and on the attached plan to the report, to introduce Administrative Zones which will be used to deliver future projects such as a review of Fees & Charges, Permits and the types of regulations (parking restrictions) which will be brought forward to meet the local need. To be delivered by April 2021.

b)     Permit Review (Section 5)

To undertake a wider review of parking concessions, based on the core permit types as described in the report, ensuring they remain fit for purpose. To be delivered by April 2021.

c)      Southend Pass Trial (Section 6)

To deliver aspirations for a trial period of a new parking concession for residents, enabling pass holders to park for free in certain areas of the Borough, as described in the report. The trial period is to commence in April 2021.

That it be noted that the trial period will be used to monitor the overall impact of the Southend Pass and an evaluation of the trial scheme on a quarterly basis by the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) in consultation with the Executive Director (Finance & Resources) and the Cabinet Member for Transport, Capital and Inward investment.  This could result in further recommendations coming back to Cabinet to make changes to the scheme during the trial period.

That it be noted that a final comprehensive evaluation report on the Southend Pass will be brought back to Cabinet following the conclusion of the trial period.

d)     Service Digitisation (Section 7)

To deliver on the wider Council digitisation programme, in respect of the Parking Service, including transition to digital, rather than paper parking permits, and improvements to the way in which parking permits and paid for parking sessions are administered.

e)     Traffic Regulation Order Review (Section 8)

To undertake a review of the TRO database, ensuring it is fit for purpose and helps improve accessibility to public documents.

f)       Discounted parking offer

To extend the discounted parking offer of a free hour of parking, once one hour has been purchased, valid in all off street car parks. This was intended to expire in September 2020 but will now be extended until 31 March 2021.

2.    That it be noted that the temporary relaxation of enforcement in car parks after 16:00 each day, will expire on 30^th September 2020, as originally approved in June 2020.

Recommended:-

3.    That the use of up to £635,000 from the Business Transformation Reserve to support the proposals set out in the report, be approved. This includes a £180,000 revenue contribution to the Capital Investment Programme to fund the replacement of signage project.

4.    That the addition of £180,000 to the Capital Investment Programme for the replacement of signage project, be approved.

Reason for decisions:

To ensure the Parking Review 2020 and related projects can be delivered within the timescale and to the standards and outputs already directed by Cabinet.     

Other options:

To adopt a different approach to delivering the Parking Review 2020, and the related projects as described in the report. However, it is likely this will significantly extend the programme and limit the effectiveness of certain elements.

Note: The decisions in 1-3 above constitute an Executive Function

The decisions in 4-5 above constitute a Council Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Executive Member: Cllr Woodley