The Portfolio Holder for Economic & Community Development advised that the options as reported to Cabinet, along with a separate set of proposals for Westerham, which had been submitted for consideration by the Westerham Town Partnership, were put out for informal public consultation from 25 November to 15 December.  The consultation had resulted in the involvement of various groups which had been most welcome and had resulted in innovative results.  Contrary to recent press coverage the data had been positive, for example there had in fact been an increase in the use of the car parks within Sevenoaks town centre this financial year.  He had a few minor amendments to propose to the report's recommendations and would like to see option 3 adopted.

A Member addressed the meeting stating that a parking space should be treated as a saleable product that should be discounted and given better signage in order to increase use and feared that raising charges would be counter productive.  It was clarified that the shortfall had arisen from the previous year and that whilst income was good this year it had not been enough to make up the shortfall.  There was no indication that the increase in charges had had a negative impact on usage.  The Portfolio Holder for Economic & Community Development indicated that looking forward the use of messaging signage would give a clearer indication of demand but it was currently positive.  The dynamics were shifting and the opening of the new Marks and Spencers store would affect the town centre.  Once the new signage was up and running it would be possible to look at a holistic parking strategy with much more informed data.

The Chairman pointed out that Option 3 did not affect those using the town for quick trips under 30 minutes. 

A Member addressed the Cabinet and pointed out that there was a free car park in Edenbridge, yet people still parked on the double yellow lines rather than walk. 

The Chief Officer Environmental & Operation Services pointed out that there were some concerns with the Westerham own Partnerships proposals which is why it was suggested that this be carried out on a trial period. 

It was suggested that every opportunity possible should be taken to make it clear that a certain car park in Swanley was not a Council owned car park.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty, and that there was a low risk that any of the options presented would have an adverse impact on people with ‘protected characteristics’ and any issues would be monitored though complaints received..

The Portfolio Holder for Economic & Community Development proposed and it was duly seconded that:

a)     the proposed changes to car park charges for 2013/15 contained in Option 3 in Appendix B be approved but with the following changes:

1)     items 5.1 to 5.5 relating to Westerham be replaced by the Westerham Town Partnership proposals shown as Option 5

2)     that a 10p charge be applied to the new 15 minute periods included the Westerham proposals for the Quebec Avenue and Vicarage Hill car parks

3)     the proposals for Westerham be approved on the basis of one year’s trial with review during 2014/15

all subject to public consultation as noted in the report;

b)     the proposed changes to on street parking charges for 2014/15 contained in option 3 in Appendix C be approved but with the following changes:

1)     items 10.0 to 10.2 relating to Westerham be replaced by the Westerham Town Partnership proposals shown as Option 4

2)     that a 10p charge be applied to the new 15 minute waiting periods included in the Westerham proposals, and

3)     that the proposals for Westerham be approved on the basis of one year’s trial with review during 2014/15

all subject to public consultation as noted in the report;

c)      that a change to the car park evening charge in Sevenoaks town centre should not be considered

d)     the introduction of parking charge on Saturdays in the Council office car park should not be considered

e)      charges on Sundays should not be considered

f)       the on street tariffs at Knockholt Station be aligned with the tariff structure (as approved) for Swanley

g)      it be noted that in view of recommendation (a) and (b) this recommendation is no longer available.

The motion was put to the vote and it was

Resolved:  That

a)        the proposed changes to car park charges for 2013/15 contained in Option 3 in Appendix B be approved but with the following changes:

1)     items 5.1 to 5.5 relating to Westerham be replaced by the Westerham Town Partnership proposals shown as Option 5

2)     that a 10p charge be applied to the new 15 minute periods included the Westerham proposals for the Quebec Avenue and Vicarage Hill car parks

3)     the proposals for Westerham be approved on the basis of one year’s trial with review during 2014/15

all subject to public consultation as noted in the report;

b)        the proposed changes to on street parking charges for 2014/15 contained in option 3 in Appendix C be approved but with the following changes:

1)     items 10.0 to 10.2 relating to Westerham be replaced by the Westerham Town Partnership proposals shown as Option 4

2)     that a 10p charge be applied to the new 15 minute waiting periods included in the Westerham proposals, and

3)     that the proposals for Westerham be approved on the basis of one year’s trial with review during 2014/15

all subject to public consultation as noted in the report;

c)         that a change to the car park evening charge in Sevenoaks town centre should not be considered

d)        the introduction of parking charge on Saturdays in the Council office car park should not be considered

e)        charges on Sundays should not be considered

f)          the on street tariffs at Knockholt Station be aligned with the tariff structure (as approved) for Swanley