There were no apologies for absence.

The notes of the meeting on 1 December 2011 were agreed and signed.

Discussion on the Draft Report to be presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Draft report is attached.

The Task Group reviewed the draft report and considered any amendments that needed to be made prior to the final report being presented to Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 2 February.

The Committee and Scrutiny Officer advised that she was aware there were a few typographical errors in the report and these would be amended prior to the final version being published.

It was noted that Councillor Collett was a Councillor for Woodside Ward and not Meriden as referred to on the first page of the report.

The Task Group agreed to change the order of the recommendations.  It was felt that the recommendations referring to the charges should be at the beginning as they were more relevant to the review’s scope.

The following amendments were added to the recommendations.

Original Recommendation 3 – Signs informing on slippery roads to be installed

The Task Group requested that the following sentence was added to the explanation for this recommendation –

“They also suggest that measures be taken to make it safe for pedestrians and road users.”

Original Recommendation 5 – Information on concessions to be made clearer and available in an information booklet

It was agreed that the final sentence of the penultimate paragraph would be amended to read –

“Members asked that the term ‘Active Carer’ should be clarified in order to make the classification clear.”

Original recommendation 8 – Vouchers to be offered in the event that visitors park for longer than their anticipated stay.

Members discussed this recommendation and how it might be operated.  It was agreed that the recommendation would be retained but the final sentence would be expanded.  It would be amended to read –

“Members recommended that a voucher for unexpected car park use should be offered in order to alleviate patient and visitor stress.”

Original recommendation 9 – Pay on Exit system to be introduced

The Chair noted that the explanation indicated that users had responded that they were in support of a ‘Pay and Display’ system.  She said that this was incorrect.  The Committee and Scrutiny Officer advised that the notes from the previous meeting clearly stated that users had been in favour of a ‘Pay on Exit’ system.

It was agreed that the final two paragraphs would be amended to the following–

“The Chair commented that the overwhelming response from users had been that a ‘Pay on Exit’ system would be the best option for payment. 

Members agreed that they would recommend that a ‘Pay on Exit’ system be installed.”

Other matters of concern for the Group

The Task Group discussed the reference to the exit from the small car park near the Spice of Life restaurant.  It was noted that the exit which permitted egress on to Vicarage Road was a one-way street.  It was agreed that this reference could be removed from the report.

Final Report

The Committee and Scrutiny Officer informed the Task Group that the final report would be presented to Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 2 February.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

There was no other business.