MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORT SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON MONDAY, 21 JANUARY 2002 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM

Present :

Mrs T M Butchers (Chairman), Mr J R Adams, Mr A C Bartlett, Mrs B D Clough, Mr M J Cunningham, Mr J Effemey, Mr J H Fleming, Mrs M J Miller, Mrs E Oulton, Mr A F Tiltman, Mrs J L Wareham

Spokesperson :

Mr E Fox

Also present :

Miss H L Humby, Mrs M A Jarman, Mr R G Mazillius, Mr V J Morey, Mr A A Taylor, Mr D G Williams

RESOLVED :

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2001 be confirmed.

20. ISLE OF WIGHT PARKING PLACES ORDER

The Select Committee considered the report of the Strategic Director of Corporate and Environment Services outlining proposed changes to the Council's parking order. These changes reflected the demand management strategy contained within the Local Transport Plan.

A comprehensive Islandwide parking study had been undertaken by consultants, Mott MacDonald, in the summer of 2001. The findings had been analysed and a range of issues identified upon which the Council could undertake relevant action.

The Head of Highways and Transportation referred to the amendments to the current Council's parking order that had been advertised the previous week for comment. These affected long and short stay parking, charging policy, hours of operation, extension of pay and display areas and parking permits. Other matters relating to the operation and management of parking places had been highlighted by the consultants. These included the condition of car parks, layout, disabled bays, ticket machines and signage. Additionally consideration had been given to the operation of residents parking schemes, which although separate from the car parking order, should be viewed as part of the Council's parking strategy. With regard to the proposed cost of an annual permit, whilst it still allowed a discount on the daily equivalent members believed that this was still a large increase.

The Portfolio Holder for Highways explained the need to build upon the policies contained in the Local Transport Plan. He referred to the income generated by car parks and how this could be utilised in certain circumstances for re-investment in highway and transportation initiatives. The additional revenue raised, if all the amendments were approved, would be approximately �200,000. It was the intention to report to the Executive on 12 February 2002 on representations received.

Members discussed the draft proposals and expressed concern as to the effect, particularly on local businesses, of introducing charging for on street parking in Ryde, Sandown and Shanklin. There were also reservations about the proposal to charge at Appley Park, Ryde and the redesignation of Yaverland as short stay. The standardisation of charging at all parking places from 8.00 am could have implications for tourists but the Head of Highways and Transportation believed that measures could be introduced to overcome any problems. He indicated that further investigations were being undertaken on the use of smart cards, scratch cards, barriers and park and ride schemes.

On the matter of residents parking schemes the Head of Highways and Transportation reported on the need to revise the policy governing the introduction and operation of these. He outlined a range of issues that required addressing and that schemes should be based on zones rather than individual streets. It was also intended for the Council to take over the responsibility for enforcement of these. The Select Committee was reminded that general decriminalisation of car parking enforcement featured in its workplan and was due to be considered on 27 February 2002.

The Chairman of the Select Committee invited Mr K Smith of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce to present his initial views on the proposals. Mr Smith stated that it was understood that there was a need for the Council to ensure that the costs of car parking provision was met. The Chamber was concerned as to the negative impact on businesses, visitors and locals through any increase in charges and the introduction of further pay and display in town centres.

The Select Committee considered that it should meet to review the representations received in respect of the advertised proposals. This would enable the Select Committee to make appropriate recommendations to the Executive.

RESOLVED :

THAT representations received in respect of the proposed amendments to the car parking order be submitted to the Select Committee so that appropriate recommendations can be made to the Executive.

CHAIRMAN