Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport seeking to establish a policy to allow evening parking charges to be introduced and to advertise a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).  This was one of the budget proposals agreed in February 2013.

(i)  To amend the Strategic Level Parking Policy (previously approved by Cabinet on the 17 March 2008) to allow the establishment of the principle of charging for evening parking charges.

(ii)  To delegate to the Head of Transport, Highways and Parking, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, to determine detailed proposals, including costs, permit schemes and advertise Traffic Regulation Orders for evening charges, in accordance with the new policy.

(iii)  To note that the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for evening charges will propose the following:

·  A flat rate charge of £2 to apply in the on street city centre  pay & display zone from 6pm until 8pm after which time it will be free;

·  Multi storey car parks already charging in the evenings will see no change;

·  Evening car park charges to be introduced in city centre surface car parks at a flat rate of  £2 from 6pm to midnight;

·  That the overnight annual car park season ticket  charges are reduced from £250 to £150 and that this offer apply to all car parks in the city centre boundary as defined by the map in appendix 4;

·  That the maximum period of stay in the Red Zone during chargeable hours is increased to 2 hours.

1.  Recommendation (i) seeks to confirm a new policy that allows evening parking charges to be implemented.  This is in order to achieve the following outcomes:

·  Ensure that the parking service covers its costs of operation;

·  To at least maintain and improve the quality of service offered to our customers albeit at a cost;

·  Encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport in accordance with the Local Transport Plan;

·  Reduce the level of carbon emissions from transport.

2.  Recommendation (ii) is required to allow a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to be advertised and determined.  This is a legal process which requires the details of the evening parking charges scheme to be advertised for a period of time.  It also serves as public consultation on the proposals and gives the public a further opportunity to object to the scheme or suggest minor amendments. 

1.  The option of not implementing evening parking charges was considered and rejected on the basis that it does not meet the objectives above.  The provision of parking facilities in the evening incurs significant maintenance and operation costs.  Under current financial pressures, if the Council were unable to implement this proposal alternative efficiency and savings proposals would be required.  This would include reducing the quality of the parking offer in Southampton.

2.  Existing free parking provision is a disincentive to use other more sustainable modes of transport.  It also distorts the relative affordability of the evening public transport offer compared to car use.