Agenda item

Division/Wards Affected: All

Purpose: To seek approval to advertise and implement a new car park order and implement other changes to the provision of public car parks by Monmouthshire County Council.

Author: Roger Hoggins, Head of Operations, Amanda Perrin, Car Park Manager.

Contact Details: rogerhoggins@monmouthshire.gov.uk

That members note the contents of the draft car park order and statement of

Reasons – appendices 1a, 1b, 1c and subsequent to the consultation exercise and feedback from the Economy and Development Select Committee, amend the order as follows:

·         That no charge be introduced for blue badge holders but that all other regulations apply (short stay, parking outside bays etc.)

·         That the current charging arrangements for Byefield Lane car Park, Abergavenny continue (i.e. that no daily charge be introduced but the Tuesday charge remains).

·         That the current charging and management arrangements for Welsh Street Car Park, Chepstow continue (i.e. that Welsh Street does not become a short stay car park and remains as a long stay car park).

·         That the offer of a ‘free hour’ parking in Chepstow short stay car parks and after 4.00 in Abergavenny be suspended until the financial implications of the new car park order (inclusive of the amendments listed above and capital investment demands) can be re-assessed to ascertain the affordability of the free hour offer.

·         That the 30 minute free spaces scheduled for introduction in Glendower Street car park, Monmouth be suspended again awaiting financial assessment.

Following amendment that the order be advertised and implementation commence following the statutory advertisement period (assuming no judicial challenge).

That the introduction of Electric vehicle (EV) charging points proceed (subject to future income analysis and affordability) in one car park in Abergavenny, Chepstow and Monmouth and that car park income revenue be used to create any capital investment required (if over and above the capital budgets recommended below)

That members acknowledge receipt of a petition titled ‘Petition to prevent Monmouthshire County Council introducing daily parking fees at Byefield car park’ – appendix 6.

That capital budgets of (i) £250,000 for new car park ticket machines, (ii) £300,000 for improvements/refurbishment to existing car parks, EV points and signage be created and that these be funded by ‘invest to save’ using revenue generated through the new car park order and management regime (subject to Council approval of revised 2016/17 capital budget).

That the feasibility of a discounted car park charge for rail users parking in the Station Car Park, Chepstow be assessed and implemented.

That the asset, maintenance and management of Usk car parks be transferred to Usk Town Council (subject to ‘claw back’ arrangements should the car parks or any part thereof be required for some alternative use).

That Cabinet acknowledge the need and confirm that investigations continue into the provision of parking facilities for HGV and buses in and around our towns.