Environment and Transport Select Ctte minutes 23-4-04

64. MINUTES

RESOLVED :

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 19 March 2004 be confirmed.

65. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Mr A J Mundy declared a personal interest in any environmental issues as he had a relative employed by an environmental company.

66. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Mr J Lewis of Brighstone raised an oral question about the effect on the local shops in Brighstone if parking charges were introduced in the village. The Chairman indicated that such factors would be taken into account during the Select Committee’s debate.

67. STRATEGIC OVERVIEW OF PARKING DEMAND MANAGEMENT

The Chairman advised members that it was not the role if the Select Committee to consider objections received to the advertised proposals. The Select Committee’s function was to discuss how the proposals fitted in with the Council’s Strategies and Policies. The Head of Engineering Services outlined the ongoing development of an Integrated Transport Strategy as part of the Council’s Local Transport Plan. The Strategy included issues relating to congestion and sustainability, public transport and integrated transport solutions. The growth in vehicle ownership both nationally and on the Island had substantially increased over the past 30 years. There had also been a steady decline in bus patronage. Congestion was becoming a regular problem and the ability to provide more road and parking space was restricted.

The Head of Engineering Services explained that income generation from parking income could be utilised to support and develop public transport services. The Council had to ensure that pricing policies were equitable across the Island and took into account the local economic situation.

Members were advised that the advertised proposals centred on parking areas where charges were not currently levied. In response to the proposals some 240 letters and 8 petitions had been received. These would be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 5 May 2004.

The Select Committee sought clarification on the inclusion of some areas within the proposed pay and display provisions. The Head of Engineering Services indicated that only those off street places where anticipated benefits could be demonstrated in the first year of operation had been included. There were other areas, such as East Cowes, where no charges could be considered until redevelopment proposals were known.

The Select Committee considered that any parking policy should take cognisance of the overall vision and aims of the Council. This included the economic wellbeing of Island communities and tourism. Members also expressed concern that there appeared to be no sound business case in respect of each individual parking place. Whilst appreciating the objectives behind the proposed revisions to the parking places order members considered that unless there was a proven income after set-up costs, the Council would not be creating additional income for supporting public transport.

The introduction of charges for on street in other towns was linked with decriminalised parking enforcement. Progress on this was being hampered by insufficient resources.

Members believed that the option of transferring responsibility of the more rural car parks to Parish Council’s, Community Bodies or the private sector should be explored.

In discussing residents permits several systems operated by mainland authorities were highlighted. The Portfolio Holder indicated that he would give consideration to an appropriate scheme which would overcome many of the representations received.

Attempts were being made to reduce congestion at peak times. Schools were being encouraged to stagger start and finish times. It was not known if congestion on the Island was leading to retail leakage to mainland shops.

Standardisation of operating hours and parking charges had been introduced in 2003. It was noted however that the free afternoon parking for nominated car parks were for a range of days. The Head of Engineering Services advised that the afternoons had been chosen in consultation with local businesses and represented low trading days.

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO EXECUTIVE :

THAT the Policy of a demand management strategy for car parking should only operate where there is a viable and sustainable business case for each car park that yields a financial return and the additional finance raised be ring fenced and utilised for improvements in public transport.

RESOLVED :

(a) THAT the Strategic Director of Environment Services investigate the introduction of a special residents parking card on the lines to that operated in the New Forest.

(b) THAT the Strategic Director of Environment Services investigate the feasibility of transferring the operation of car parks in rural locations to the private sector, community bodies or Parish Councils.

(d) THAT consideration be given to the establishment of a task and finish Task Group to examine the business cases in respect of car parks at the Select Committee’s awayday.

(e) THAT the Economic Development, Planning, Tourism and Leisure Services Select Committee be requested to look into possible retail leakage to mainland outlets through the imposition of the Council’s parking policies.

68. REVIEW OF TRANSPORT

The Head of Select Committee and Best Value Support referred to consultations that had been undertaken with a range of transport providers, users and relevant organisations. This was with the aim of identifying key issues related to transport that could form the basis of a major review.

As the first step in the process it was suggested that three members could be appointed to form a Task Group. Initially this would scope the review but then be responsible for driving it forward.

RESOLVED :

THAT 3 members be appointed at the Select Committee’s awayday to form a Task Group to scope a review of Transport and then oversee it.

69. INVESTIGATION INTO ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

The Select Committee was reminded of its decision in September 2003 to undertake a review into the Council not meeting its targets for reducing the number of people killed, or seriously injured in road traffic accidents.

At its meeting on 28 May 2003 evidence was taken from a number of key stakeholders. The information arising from this, together with additional research into particular aspects connected with older drivers, drug impaired driving, safety cameras, school travel plans and the highway and transportation budget had been drawn together. As the result of this exercise a number of outcomes were recommended for action by the Portfolio Holder, Council Officers and other relevant authorities.

The importance of establishing a Road Safety Forum was a vital element in bringing all relevant Authorities/Agencies together. This would assist in identifying areas where action should be taken, possibly through more public awareness of the issues involved.

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR TRANSPORT :

THAT the outcomes of the investigations into Road Traffic Accidents be endorsed and adopted.

70. MEMBERS’ QUESTION TIME

Mr R A Sutton raised an oral question in relation to the utilisation of the Speed Indicating Device. The Head of Engineering Services indicated that he would circulate relevant details.

The Chairman raised an oral question in relation to utility companies undertaking works in the highway. The Head of Engineering Services outlined the processes involved.

Mr R C Richards raised an oral question in relation to the highway capital programme for 2004/05. The Head of Engineering Services indicated that details would be circulated to members.

CHAIRMAN