Councillor Oonagh Moulton reported that she will speak on behalf of Wimbledon Park; there had been one decision in relation to the four parks but  individual decisions would have been more appropriate . Overall residents were not aware of the proposals  as the consultation was poor and councillors resorted to sending out ward letters about the plans.  There are two car parks in Wimbledon Park the officer report did not state why only one will be subject to parking charges.  Also there were was no consultation on the proposed times for the parking restrictions.

The Wimbledon Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) is in place between11am to -3pm, which does not align with the parking charges time of 8am to 4pm.   Residents are concerned that this will result in cars being displaced to other busy roads and will not deter commuters. Timings should be shorter and aligned with the CPZ time.

There is also an equalities issue; as the parking charges may have an effect on people with disabilities and those with buggies and heavy sports equipment who are essential users of the car park but are not addressed in report.

Councillor Holmes said he is speaking on behalf of Haydons Road recreation ground which does not have a commuter parking issue. The car park is near to a parade of shops and is used by shoppers.  Cabinet members should balance use of park and support for local businesses.

Councillor Holmes expressed concern that the proposals will not achieve the desired purpose, it will impact local business impact sports clubs and those with disabilities.  We should not deter those participating in sports as this could have a negative effect on our public health agenda. Councillor Holmes suggested the impact of the proposals are reviewed in 12 months time, to look at the issues raised and ensure the changes are effective.

Panel members were given the opportunity to ask questions of Councillor Moulton and Councillor Holmes.

A panel member highlighted that people with disabilities can make use of designated bays.  Councillor Moulton highlighted this is a  problem if the car park is busy. Councillor Holmes said that people may have mobility issues but are not registered disabled and these measures should not discourage them.

A panel member asked for a suggested recommendation on preferred hours. Councillor Moulton suggested 11-3pm in line with the CPZ hours.

Hayley Morris, representative from Colliers Wood Bowling Club  asked the Panel for further details about the proposals and how it will benefit the Club. Ms Morris said she was unsure about the details but not against the idea of charging for the use of the car park.

Councillor Guy Humphries, London Borough of Wandsworth reported to the Panel that Wimbledon Park has a borough boundary with Wandsworth. The lack of consultation was extraordinary, with only one sign on the gate of the park. Parking measures should be introduced to both Wimbledon parks and it is not clear why this is not the case. Hours for the parking charges need to be adjusted. Cllr Humphries expressed support for a 12 months review.

Panel members asked about preferred hours for parking charges and reason for the preference for charges in both Wimbledon Park car parks. Councillor Humphries reported that it doesn’t need to be longer than one hour.  A one hour CPZ is in place in Wandsworth and it is enough to deter commuters.

Hilary Morris from Battles Area Residents Association sought clarification about a typographical error in the report. Cllr Martin Whelton clarified; Item e: should be  8am-4pm. The second charging period should not have been included and was referring to the initial proposal to include  Saturday charges which is no longer going ahead.

Dr Dave Dawson spoke on behalf of Friends of Wimbledon Park and various residents associations.   Dr Dawson reported that consultations needs to be longer and better notice given when they begin. They are in support of charging parks but current proposals will not solve worst problems as the charge is too low so it will not deter people. The biggest problems are on holiday weekends.

Jane Stone, a representative from Tamworth Recreation Centre said she would like the parking charges to be implemented as soon as possible and feels they have been waiting too long. The car parks are currently being used by commuters and this should deter them.

Cllr Martin Whelton thanked speakers for their contributions. It was noted that people agree the with principle of charges, however there are different views about the hours and the Panel will decide if further recommendations need to be made.

Councillor Nick Draper welcomed the range of representation and highlighted that we currently have no control over car parks, as a result there are untaxed and abandoned vehicles in the park. These proposals will regulate some of those problems. It gives residents the chance to use the car park as they wish.

Councillor Draper added that the council cannot implement charges in the second car park, it is not a made up car park and it needs to be tarmacked. There is a cost implication to make the required changes. As this is a pilot, the Cabinet Member welcomed Councillor Holmes suggestion that it is reviewed after a year.

The Assistant Director for Public Space Contracting & Commissioning welcomed this opportunity to listen to the views of the community.  There has been informal consultation over many years which informed the initial proposals. The statutory consultation was carried out in accordance with all the guidelines.  All ward councillors were also informed and he is pleased that they were able to cascade the information. The Council are learning and listening organisation and will seek to continuously improve.

A panel member asked for clarification about the cost of making up the car park and said installing meters before the consultation ended gave a poor message to residents which we need to reflect upon. 

Councillor Draper reported that will cost £6,000.00 which is a significant portion of the Greenspaces budget. It is hoped that this work will be carried out in the future. Councillor Draper also reported that only four car parks went forward with the parking charges. It was decided not to charge in Sir joseph Hood Memorial Playing Fields and the  machines will be removed.

Panel members asked about the rationale for the decision on parks being taken as a whole and what were the benefits.

Councillor Whelton reported that considering all parks  simultaneously had  an administrative benefit. Alternatively it would have meant preparing a report in relation to each park which would have significant impact on officer time.

Councillor Holden moved a motion asking Panel to agree that the Cabinet member revise the hours for the parking charges in line with the current CPZ hours. This was seconded by Councillor Bull and was defeated by five votes to three.

The panel unanimously agreed to ask the Cabinet member to review the proposals in 12 months time.

RESOLVED

The Panel resolved to accept all proposals within the report and ask the Cabinet member to conduct a review in 12 months time to ensure the changes are delivering the intended outcomes.