Decision details

Decision details

Car Parking Improvements, Cassiobury Park

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Decisions:

Councillor Williams introduced the report and explained that the proposed works were intended to improve the existing car park and extension.  More parking spaces would be created due to the popularity of the park.  There had been two consultation meetings and meetings with Residents Associations and ward councillors.  No negative feedback had been received about the proposals.  There would be charging introduced in the car park and the report contained two options.  The income from the car park would offset the costs of running the park.  The recommendation was for option two as the charging structure would protect local residents.

 

“OPTION TWO

Assumptions:

          Pricing 0-2 hours              Free (no impact on dog walkers, joggers, short term visitors)

          Pricing 2-3 hours               £2

          Pricing 3-4 hours               £3

          Pricing 4-5 hours               £4

          Pricing 5-6 hours               £5

 

Maximum stay 6 hours. Charges apply 7 days per week.”

Councillor Williams noted the comments in the report regarding members of sports clubs and whether they should be issued with parking permits.  Councillor Williams thought that charges should apply to sports club members but this could be reviewed if necessary.  Therefore, Councillor Williams proposed removing recommendation 3.4 in the report.  Commuter charging during winter periods would be looked at further.

 

Cabinet noted there had been an Equality Impact Assessment included in the report.  It was welcomed that the improved car park could reduce pressure on the streets around the park.

 

Councillor Bell asked whether the car park charges would be reviewed after a period of time.

 

In response Councillor Sharpe explained that most visitor attractions charged for parking, e.g., Verulamium Park in St Albans.  There needed to be decent car parking at Cassiobury Park and the charging regime would generate income.  It could be revisited in the future if there was a change in circumstances.  The Mayor commented that the car park charges would be part of the Fees and Charges report which would go to Budget Panel.

 

On putting the recommendations to Cabinet it was agreed to accept charging option two and to remove recommendation 3.4 (permits for club members).

 

            RESOLVED:

           

            That Cabinet agrees:

 

1.         To agree the final design shown in appendices A1 and A2 of the Cabinet report.

 

2.         To approve the recommendation to introduce car parking charges based on option two. 

 

3.         To further investigate the feasibility of whether the charging for commuter parking between October and March is achievable.

Report author: Paul Rabbitts

Publication date: 16/10/2018

Date of decision: 08/10/2018

Decided at meeting: 08/10/2018 - Cabinet

Effective from: 17/10/2018

Accompanying Documents:

 

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