Decision details

That the Committee consider the petition received by the Council in relation to free parking on high streets and indicate what action is to be taken.

The Committee considered a petition received by the Council which had been signed by 2,000 residents which called for 30 minutes parking to save our high street. 

The Lead Petitioner, Ms Loretta Patterson, addressed the Committee highlighting concerns raised by shopkeepers and residents in the Temple Fortune area in relation to a lack of free parking discouraging people from shopping in the local area and impacting negatively on local business.

Members asked questions about the petitioner’s knowledge of empty parking spaces during the day and her perception of the impact of the lack of free parking in the area. The Lead petitioner also responded to questions regarding some research she had undertaken of other local authorities which had introduced free parking on high streets.

Councillor Alison Moore, Councillor Paul Edwards and Councillor Alon Or-Bach addressed the Committee in support of the petition, noting their view that there would be merit in considering whether all town centres should have 30 minutes of free parking.

The Chairman of the Environment Committee, Councillor Dean Cohen, Pam Wharfe, Director for Place and Paul Bragg, Infrastructure and Parking Manager, Street Scene were in attendance and responded to the issues raised

Members noted that officers are currently working on a report on Parking Policy which is due to be considered by the Environment Committee on 24 July.

Jessica Farmer, HB Law clarified that the fourth option outlined in paragraph 5.3.3.5 of report to the Committee ‘Instruct an officer to prepare a report for a future meeting of the Committee on the issues raised’ refers to a future meeting of the relevant theme committee that is responsible for matters to which the petition subject matter pertains, which in this case is the Environment Committee.

Councillor Alison Moore moved that the petitioner’s request be agreed to, and that officers provide advice on the introduction of free parking on the high streets other town centres which do not currently have it. The motion was seconded by Councillor Paul Edwards. Votes were recorded as follows:

The motion was lost.

Councillor Dean Cohen moved that officers provide a report with recommendations on the possible introduction of free parking in Temple Fortune, to be considered by the Environment Committee on 24 July. The motion was seconded by Councillor Tom Davey. Votes were recorded as follows:

The motion was carried.

RESOLVED

That officers provide a report with recommendations on the possible introduction of free parking in Temple Fortune, to be considered by the Environment Committee on 24 July.