Issue - meetings

1.     That, subject to Full Council approval of the Budget and Capital Investment Strategy in February 2023, expenditure of £580,000 for the car park major works programme 2023/24 be approved, as outlined in appendix A of CAB3384.

2.     That a 2-year fixed term post for a Project Officer be approved to support delivery of this programme of work funded from the parking reserve fund.

3.     That it be noted that the indicative programme for 2024/25 is yet to be fully defined subject to condition surveys and further evaluation work being completed.

4.     That authority be delegated to the Head of Programme in consultation with the Corporate Head of Asset Management and Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, authority to procure and to make minor adjustments to the programme in order to meet maintenance and operational needs of the car park service throughout the year, as required.

Councillor Learney introduced the report highlighting the importance of ensuring ease of access to the city, towns and local centres across the district, whilst managing demand, reducing congestion and tackling emissions. 

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillors Wallace and Bolton addressed Cabinet as summarised briefly below.

Councillor Wallace

He highlighted that traffic was the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the district and the county council’s draft local transport plan stated that a 10% reduction in car use between 2019 and 2030 was required.  This would require a coordinated response across all aspects of transport.  The programme’s expenditure on car parking was 96% compared to 4% on cycling.  He therefore queried how a greater focus on alternative transport solutions could be achieved?

Councillor Bolton

He drew attention to many parking places across the district which were situated at places offering walking and cycling access to nature, but were sometimes at risk of fly-tipping or other crimes.  He acknowledged that these car parks might not be the responsibility of the council, but queried what improvements could be made to improve these areas for the wider community.  He also requested an update on progress of delivery of the car park at The Dean, New Alresford.

Councillor Learney and the Head of Programme responded to the comments made.

One member requested that consideration be given to the size of car parking spaces to facilitate access for all users.  The Service Lead – Environmental Services confirmed that the council did comply with national standards.

Cabinet agreed to the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

1.            That, subject to Full Council approval of the Budget and Capital Investment Strategy in February 2023, expenditure of £580,000 for the car park major works programme 2023/24 be approved, as outlined in appendix A of CAB3384.

2.            That a 2-year fixed term post for a Project Officer be approved to support delivery of this programme of work funded from the parking reserve fund.

3.            That it be noted that the indicative programme for 2024/25 is yet to be fully defined subject to condition surveys and further evaluation work being completed.

4.            That authority be delegated to the Head of Programme in consultation with the Corporate Head of Asset Management and Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, authority to procure and to make minor adjustments to the programme in order to meet maintenance and operational needs of the car park service throughout the year, as required.