Paul Walshe introduced the report which updated on progress with implementation of the action plan resulting from the earlier reviews of town centre parking and parking at neighbourhood shopping parades. Paul Walshe informed the Panel that implementation has been on going and that cashless parking is one initiative that has been particularly popular. Paul also advised that the council are currently considering options for roll out of electronic signage in Wimbledon town centre.

Councillor Imran Uddin asked if the intention was to lower parking charges through the introduction of this new structure.  Paul Walshe explained that the revised charges were the linear hourly rate for parking which were slightly higher than the hourly rate at present. 20 minute parking slots are being used as a base upon which to model the rates and in some areas tariffs will go up.

Chris Lee added that parking charges in town centres would be higher than outer areas. Councillor Stan Anderson asked if cashless and cash options were still available to customers. Paul Walshe explained that this was the case. John Hill explained that the council would continue to offer customers freedom of choice in the way that they pay for parking.

Councillor Janice Howard explained her concerns regarding the increase of each tariff and asked what consideration had been given to smaller businesses and the potential impact increased charges would have on their customer base. She expressed her concerns that residents may be pushed into larger stores with free parking. Councillor Andrew Judge explained that it was important to acknowledge that short stopping times are needed to shop in smaller businesses and 20 minutes of free parking has been offered to support this.

Chris Lee informed the Panel that a decision had been taken by full council as part of the budget setting in previous years to increase charges by 10% beginning in 2015/ 2016. This is incorporated into a simplified structure.

Councillor Ross Garrod asked how the 341 on street bays would be rolled out, if this would be undertaken on a staggered basis and what the expected completion date was for this work. Paul Walshe explained that no new charges had yet been implemented and that once agreed, would be rolled out over a 4 week cycle. The council are authorised to charge the new tariffs from April 1^st 2015 but this will not happen overnight and requires a phased roll out. The payment for parking using mobile technology will also be implemented alongside this.  John Hill added that the ability to pay with mobile phones has been implemented in town centre car parks already.

Councillor Andrew Judge explained that signage would be agreed and a decision made as to how to pursue this in due course.

Paul Walshe explained that initial discussions had also been held with private car park owners and partnership options explained. The associated costs of this model and benefits to the council would also need to be determined.

John Hill stated that the department would continue to speak to private car park owners in an attempt to work in partnership to improve the range of parking services on offer to the customer.

Mitra Dubet explained that there are 34 designated shopping parades in the borough and that the department have contacted individual business units to determine need. Many are also in controlled parking zones and therefore need to balance the needs of residents, visitors and businesses. Some bays have also been changed to different functions. Dialogue has been underway with residents and businesses and site visits have been undertaken during operational hours to determine need, available space and where residents need access.

Councillor Russell Makin asked if any changes to parking bays from permit to shared use would need to be the subject of public consultation. Mitra Dubet explained that this was the case and statutory consultation was required.

Councillor Abdul Latif asked if underused loading bays could be used to allow residents to park. Mitra Dubet explained that this was happening in Raynes Park and that loading space had been created and agreement reached with local businesses on parking post delivery times and off peak hours.

Councillor John Sargeant stated that it was important that the council publicised widely that free parking is available but that residents are still required to take a ticket. 

RESOLVED:  Panel noted the report.