Issue - meetings

The Chairman invited Councillor S. P. Shannon, as Chairman of the Task Group to introduce the report. 

The Chairman of the Task Group gave background information on why the Task Group had been set up and the evidence and witnesses that the Task Group had received during its investigation.  It was explained that all Members of the Task Group had originally had a very negative perception in respect of the operation of the car parks throughout the district.  Particular issues were in respect of the fixed penalty notices and how appeals against these were handled.  The Chairman explained that the Task Group had received evidence on the following areas:

• The role of the Civil Enforcement Officers
• Income from parking charges on Recreation Road South Car Park
• Total income from parking compared with excess charge revenue on Recreation Road South Car Park.

From the evidence received the Task Group Members conceded that they had begun the Task Group with a preconceived view of the Recreation Road South Car Park and car parking facilities generally provided by the Council.  However, after hearing and looking at the evidence provided by Officers, Task Group Members had agreed that the negative view was incorrect.  This had led to the formulation of the 5 recommendations contained within the report which it was considered would help to dispel the negative views and perception of residents and visitors with regard to the district’s car parking operation.

The Board discussed the following areas in more detail:

• The downturn in the use of the car parks and the national trend.
• The pay on foot system.
• Methodology used and evidence provided.  Including the availability of comparative financial information.
• The financial implications of the recommendations (the Task Group had questioned these as they felt in some instances they were excessive estimates).

After further discussion it was

RESOLVED:

(a)       that the report and recommendations attached at Appendix 1 be          approved; and

(b)       that the report and recommendations be submitted to Cabinet for         approval.