Agenda item

Context:

We received a report from the Head of Operations in order for Members to scrutinize the feedback arising from the statutory consultation exercise in relation to the proposed new car park order for MCC public car parks and comment as members see fit.

Key Issues:

In 2014 the Economy and Development Select Committee scrutinized proposals to introduce numerous changes to the MCC car parking regime.

Following scrutiny proposals went to Cabinet for approval in September 2014.

Various recommendations were approved (new car parks, increase in charges) including the drafting of a new car park order.

The proposed car park order has been published and is presently in a statutory consultation period, the formal consultation process closes on 22nd April 2016. The feedback from the consultation exercise showed a few predominant themes:

·         Charging blue badge holders: 24 of the 62 pieces of correspondence have been received. The consistent response has been that to charge blue badge holders is unfair. In some instances mitigation has been suggested such as the first hour of parking being free.

·         Creating short term (no return within 2 hours) car parks: The withdrawal of the opportunity to park all day in a short stay car park means that those wishing to park all day must now use an alternative car park which may be less convenient.

·         Charging (Monday to Saturday) in Byefield Lane, Abergavenny: concern that this removes the only free car park in Abergavenny (other than Tuesday) resulting in those regularly using the car park moving to park on street to avoid charges.

·         Charging for the station car park, Chepstow: concern that this might deter travellers from using the train and prompting drivers to park on street to avoid car park charges.

Member Scrutiny:

The Chair noted that a progress report would be received at future date.  We were now given an opportunity to reflect upon the responses from the consultation.  On the basis of the responses received today, Members should decide if they wish to comment further before the draft order is presented to Cabinet.

Members expressed concern surrounding the issue of blue Badge holders being charged for car parking, particularly as one of the Councils priorities is the protection of vulnerable people.  In the Abergavenny area there were concerns from the police that this may result in parking on yellow lines, frustrating an already difficult situation.  It was recommended that Cabinet reflect on the values, and contributions, and seriously reconsider the need to charge blue badge holders.

The Cabinet Member for Community Development explained that the issue had been a struggle and after the previous meeting in 2014, Committee had agreed to the recommendation with a proviso that committee comments were included in the Cabinet report.  Since the previous scrutiny Welsh Government had issued new criteria for blue badge holders, considerably tightening who can receive a badge.  A full year set of figures show that 20-25% of renewals are being declined.  We heard that Cabinet have serious reservations around introducing the charges and would be looking at the issue seriously again before making any final decisions.

We noted that through consultation responses there was concern regarding the position of payment machines.  It was questioned if people needed to move to different car parks, would they have to pay each time.  In response the Head of Operations highlighted the following points:

·         Machines must be accessible and therefore would be replaced and improved.  Money was to be re-invested into new machines to allow payment by different methods.

·         The recommendation would be that blue badge holders would be able to move car parks on one ticket.

·         Not all blue badge holders in Monmouthshire are from Monmouthshire.

·         There are 7 authorities in Wales who apply a charge of some kind. 

There were concerns regarding the qualification of people assessing if applicants met the criteria for blue badge.

A Member raised concern regarding the economic element in that not all blue badge holders are economically stretched and questioned how we could get to the point where the system was fair for all.

A Member requested clarification on the criteria for blue badge.  The Cabinet Member explained automatic qualification related to any person on higher rate disability living allowance, Armed Service or Army Reserve Forces scheme due to medical retirement, severe sight impairment, and war pensioners mobility supplement.  Discretionary qualification related to children under the age of three, disability in both arms, a severe cognitive impairment and walking disability.

A Member expressed that she did not support the recommendation but did welcome closer scrutiny on the issue of blue badges.

Members were keen to express concern for vulnerable people in Monmouthshire.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that there was concern surrounding the station car park at Chepstow.  A proposal had been made by the ticket office which would be investigated further.

Recommendations:

The report recommended that Members note the contents of the draft car park order and the feedback arising from the consultation exercise.

Also, that Members reflect upon the outcome of their previous scrutiny and confirm if they wish to comment further as a result of the statutory consultation process.