Issue - meetings

Issue - meetings

Parking Strategy

Meeting: 14/09/2017 - SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (Item 40)

40 Parking Strategy pdf icon PDF 74 KB

Following the end of the Parking Strategy public consultation, the report sets out a proposal to develop a Parking Strategy for Central Bedfordshire using a phased approach.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The Head of Community Safety provided Members with details of a recent public consultation, the results of which demonstrated the need for a focus on operational enforcement in the short to medium term, with measures anticipated to be implemented in April 2018. Proposals included a phased approach to a broader parking strategy in order that all elements coordinated with the Local Plan timeline, with short term measures anticipated to be implemented in April 2018

 

In light of the report Members discussed the following in summary: -

·           Concerns regarding the loss of green spaces to accommodate parking, cognizant of the lack of available land.

·           That alternative travel choices were limited in rural areas and so car use and parking was increasing.

·           The need for a flexible policy which could be applied to meet the needs of individual areas and circumstances, including both urban and rural solutions.

·           That additional staff resource was available, recognising the difficulties of recruiting Civil Enforcement Officers.

·           The need for robust liaison and a collaborative approach with highways colleagues and the police.

·           The importance of educating parents in relation to parking outside of schools.

 

RECOMMENDED that the Committee support the proposal to develop a Parking Strategy for Central Bedfordshire using a phased approach as follows:-

 

1.     Phase One:  Develop and agree a three-year Parking Management Strategy (2018- 2021)

2.     Phase Two:  Planning Design Guide Review, Local Plan and LTP (4) completed

3.     Phase Three:  Develop and agree a broader Central Bedfordshire Parking Strategy (2021-2035) aligned to the Local Plan and revised Planning Design Guide