Agenda item

The Committee received the Parking Strategy which had been reviewed and developed as an action arising from the Scrutiny Committee Task and Finish Group review of parking.

The Committee noted that the aims of theParkingStrategy was toensurethatfuturechangesto the parkingprovision werebothforward thinkingand supportive of theeconomicattractiveness and vitalityof thediverseareaswithin Carmarthenshire and that town centres had a balanced mix of transport modes to reduce risk of congestion with the consequential impacts on air quality.

The report sought Scrutiny Committee’s comments prior to further consideration by Executive Board.

The following queries were raised on the report:-

·         It was asked, if there were any proposals to deal with the high levels of demand on parking spaces within Ammanford?  The Head of Transportation and Highways stated that the results of an analysis of data for the peak periods of activity during August and December 2016.  Activity has changed since that time and the data indicates that that the current parking levels were adequate.

·         In response to a query regarding the parking of motorhomes, the Head of Transportation and Highways acknowledged that this was a growth sector which would considered further in the future.  Following a further query, it was confirmed that motorhomes can currently use the car parks but would need to pay for the car parking bays that that they use, if the motorhome extended to two bays, they would be required to pay for two bays.

·         It was commented that the public seemed unaware when the free car parking days were.  The Executive Board Member for Environment stated that the setting of the free car parking days was a decision made by each Town Council and as a prerequisite, Town Councils were requested to publicise accordingly.

·         Reference was made to the Demand and Capacity graphs in relation to Llanelli set out on pages 7 & 8 of the report.  It was commented that the demand for car parking spaces seemed low and underused and that the short stay bays could be cheaper.  The Head of Transportation and Highways confirmed that there is capacity at the Llanelli car parks, short stay charging is required at town centres to prioritise spaces for shoppers not commuters. He confirmed that parking ticket sales were pretty consistent when compared to previous years.

·         In relation to the installation of card payment machines, a comment was raised urging the Council to provide options of payment to include ‘contactless’ as soon as possible. The Executive Board Member for Environment stated that it was intended to replace the current ticket machines with Wi-Fi enabled card payments which was currently being reviewed.

·         The Head of Transportation and Highways stated the funds for the card machines would need to be made available and that a bid for capital funding is required.  In response to an additional query, the Committee was informed that the revenue surplus from carparks was used to sustain highway and transport services that included public transport.

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE EXECUTIVE BOARD that the Parking Strategy be approved.