Decision details

(Minute 47)

The report of the Assistant Director Public Realm was submitted, informing Members of the deliberations, conclusions and recommendations of the Car Parks Task and Finish Group.  He reported that Scrutiny Committee – Economy had considered the Group’s report at their meeting of 8 March 2012. Whilst individual elements of the proposals would come forward to Executive in due course and as appropriate, the Committee were impressed by and appreciative of the work of the group and had requested that the report be submitted to Executive in its entirety.

Councillor Margaret Baldwin attended the meeting and spoke on the item under Standing Order 44. Whilst welcoming the report overall, Councillor Baldwin felt that the Group’s recommendation to place Topsham Quay Car Park into Tariff Band 2 (Short Stay Shoppers’ Car Parks) was wrong and hoped that this would be re-considered. She referred to a letter from 50 businesses supporting the need for a welcoming, long-stay car park in Topsham. The difficulty of parking in the town was generally acknowledged and this was exacerbated by the current temporary use of part of the Tappers Close car park by Network Rail and two-thirds of the Quay car park being used for boat storage for a large part of the year.

The Chair responded with reference to the significant support formerly expressed for a higher turnover in the car parks, in order to increase visitors to the town and reminded members that Holman Way provided a long stay facility.

The Portfolio Holder Sustainable Development and Transport added her thanks to the working group for their comprehensive report and assured members that all the recommendations would be considered in due course. She emphasised that the increased charges at the Quay aimed to deter workers from using the spaces to the detriment of visitors. She reported that monthly usage figures for the Topsham car parks were compiled and requested officers to send these to the Topsham ward Councillors on a regular basis.

Executive resolved that:-

(1)     the Car Parks Task and Finish Group be congratulated on their comprehensive review of the issue; and

(2)     the conclusions of the report be noted and that further reports on individual proposals would come forward to Executive in due course.