Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

NOTE: This item has been placed on the agenda following a recommendation of the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee.

The Council placed a moratorium on the introduction of any new resident parking schemes in 2019 to enable a full review of the existing approach to be taken. This review was required as elements of the existing policy were not working effectively and were not meeting the needs of residents. There were also concerns relating to the impact of schemes on local services and the town and district centres. In order to ensure a coordinated approach, it was agreed that all policies and procedures relating to residents parking, including the Town Centre, would be reviewed.

In light of the above, the purpose of this paper is:

·         To seek comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions

·         To seek feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions and seeking feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         The Area Committee was not in favour of the zonal approach to parking and had stated this previously.

·         Members expressed concern with the parking scheme and whether Marple residents would be asked to purchase parking permits to park outside their own homes. In response, it was stated that this would not occur without an agreement with the residents and the Area Committee.

·         It was noted that the report referenced population profiles of Stockport residents and there was a concern that Marple residents would be affected disproportionately.

·         Members sought clarification relating to the costs of carrying out the surveys on parking schemes and whether that cost would be paid by the Area Committee. In response, it was stated that this was currently being looked at by the appropriate Cabinet Member.

·         It was noted that regarding the introduction of electric vehicle charging points and whatever residents parking strategy was agreed that it be kept in line with the Clean Air Plan as previously discussed and that officers coordinate the approach.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport.

The Council placed a moratorium on the introduction of any new resident parking schemes in 2019 to enable a full review of the existing approach to be taken. This review was required as elements of the existing policy were not working effectively and were not meeting the needs of residents. There were also concerns relating to the impact of schemes on local services and the town and district centres. In order to ensure a coordinated approach, it was agreed that all policies and procedures relating to residents parking, including the Town Centre, would be reviewed.

It is recommended that Cabinet:

·         Review and comment on the revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions

·         Review and comment on the proposed changes to residents parking policy to reflect the revised principles

·         Review and comment on the proposed changes to town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions and seeking feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

Councillor Bailey reported that the item had been considered by area committees in the preceding week, the last of which had met only five days previously and that further time was needed to give full consideration to the comments that had been made.

RESOLVED – That consideration of this item be deferred to a future meeting of the Cabinet pending full consideration of the comments of the area committees.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

NOTE: This item has been placed on the agenda following a recommendation of the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee.

The Council placed a moratorium on the introduction of any new resident parking schemes in 2019 to enable a full review of the existing approach to be taken. This review was required as elements of the existing policy were not working effectively and were not meeting the needs of residents. There were also concerns relating to the impact of schemes on local services and the town and district centres. In order to ensure a coordinated approach, it was agreed that all policies and procedures relating to residents parking, including the Town Centre, would be reviewed.

In light of the above, the purpose of this paper is:

·         To seek comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions

·         To seek feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions and seeking feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

It was suggested that the proposal to provide councillors with a free permit covering all residents parking zones in their wards and cabinet members to park across the borough should be removed from the proposed scheme.

It was further suggested that the council should give consideration to the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition to police schemes.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The Council placed a moratorium on the introduction of any new resident parking schemes in 2019 to enable a full review of the existing approach to be taken. This review was required as elements of the existing policy were not working effectively and were not meeting the needs of residents. There were also concerns relating to the impact of schemes on local services and the town and district centres. In order to ensure a coordinated approach, it was agreed that all policies and procedures relating to residents parking, including the Town Centre, would be reviewed.

In light of the above, the purpose of this paper is:

·         To seek comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions

·         To seek feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer Contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions and seeking feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         There wasn’t enough space for all the vehicles in Stockport and the report attempted to make proposals that made best use of the space available.

·         A recurring problem with the current system was that introducing residents’ parking on one street simply moved parking problems to an adjoining street where there wasn’t a residents’ parking scheme in place. This was the rationale behind the report proposing the introduction of a zonal approach to residents’ parking schemes.

·         There were issues which would need to be considered in the future such as an increasing use of electric vehicles and a consequent increase in the number of charging points

·         The issue of residents’ parking was a particular problem in the Central Stockport area where there was a greater proportion of terraced streets without driveways than in some other areas. In addition, the number of places for people to park in the town centre in the future would reduce as more residential properties were built.

·         It was clarified that the proposal for Councillors to receive a free permit covering all residents parking zones to enable them to carry out their responsibilities would be withdrawn.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

NOTE: This item has been placed on the agenda following a recommendation of the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee.

The Council placed a moratorium on the introduction of any new resident parking schemes in 2019 to enable a full review of the existing approach to be taken. This review was required as elements of the existing policy were not working effectively and were not meeting the needs of residents. There were also concerns relating to the impact of schemes on local services and the town and district centres. In order to ensure a coordinated approach, it was agreed that all policies and procedures relating to residents parking, including the Town Centre, would be reviewed.

In light of the above, the purpose of this paper is:

·         To seek comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions

·         To seek feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions and seeking feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         General support was given to the principles in the report, the proposed move to residents’ parking zones rather looking at residents’ parking on a particular street in isolation and the recognition that parking problems presented different challenges in different parts in the borough.

·          It was clarified that the proposal for Councillors to receive a free permit covering all residents parking zones to enable them to carry out their responsibilities would be withdrawn.

·         Support was given to the proposal to reconsider the cost of a permit.

·         The proposal was to use advisory disability marking points in the future and move away from formal traffic regulation orders for disabled parking bays because they remained after the disabled person had left the property.

·         Other options needed to be considered as part of the process when a residents’ parking scheme was requested.

·         Support was given to the recognition that residents’ parking had to be seen in the wider context of a move to electric vehicles in the future, car sharing, cycle bays etc which were all important considerations when addressing parking problems in an area.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

NOTE: This item has been placed on the agenda following a recommendation of the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee.

The Council placed a moratorium on the introduction of any new resident parking schemes in 2019 to enable a full review of the existing approach to be taken. This review was required as elements of the existing policy were not working effectively and were not meeting the needs of residents. There were also concerns relating to the impact of schemes on local services and the town and district centres. In order to ensure a coordinated approach, it was agreed that all policies and procedures relating to residents parking, including the Town Centre, would be reviewed.

In light of the above, the purpose of this paper is:

·         To seek comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions

·         To seek feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions and seeking feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was suggested that the proposal to provide councillors with a free permit covering all residents parking zones in their wards and cabinet members to park across the borough should be removed from the proposed scheme.

·         Members welcomed the flexible approach adopted in the report by having single road schemes, but concern was expressed regarding looking at a broader scheme to avoid problems six months later.

·         It was commented that there was no mention of the residents parking schemes with permits to use public car parks and not pay.

·         Concern was expressed regarding the resident parking schemes that had been paused should now be pushed through as a matter of priority.

·         Members expressed their disappointment with having to fund the survey costs despite having to wait over a year for other schemes to be brought forward which could have meant that the Area Committee spreads the cost over a longer period.

·         It was noted that the Marple Town Centre attracted a lot of shoppers with lots of residential properties nearby that caused problems with parking.

RESOLVED – That the report be deferred to the next meeting of the Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

NOTE: This item has been placed on the agenda following a recommendation of the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee.

The Council placed a moratorium on the introduction of any new resident parking schemes in 2019 to enable a full review of the existing approach to be taken. This review was required as elements of the existing policy were not working effectively and were not meeting the needs of residents. There were also concerns relating to the impact of schemes on local services and the town and district centres. In order to ensure a coordinated approach, it was agreed that all policies and procedures relating to residents parking, including the Town Centre, would be reviewed.

In light of the above, the purpose of this paper is:

·         To seek comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions

·         To seek feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions and seeking feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the proposal to offer free parking permits to elected members and that this was not necessary.

·         The solution to the parking issues in the Stepping Hill area was for government intervention to build a new multi-storey car park at Stepping Hill hospital, however this was unlikely at the current time.

·         Members raised concerns that the report offered proposals that seemed very similar to those that had previously been rejected in the Stepping Hill CPZ proposals.

·         Members discussed the possibility of measures such as limited stay parking being used to address the particular needs of the area around Stepping Hill Hospital. However, in response it was commented that while such a solution would possible within the scope of the proposed strategy this kind of solution was very labour intensive and in practical terms it would be very difficult to enforce.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the level of the charges that may be imposed for permits under the scheme.

·         Concerns were raised around the use of mobile payments for car parking. It was commented that traditional payment systems would continue to be available so that parking remained accessible to all.

·         It was noted that there was a remote meeting coming up shortly with the Chief Executive of Stepping Hill Hospital and it would be useful for members of the area committee to attend to raise the ongoing parking issues around the hospital.

·         Should the proposed approach to residents parking be approved, then officers would work with ward councillors to determine their priorities for their areas.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The Council placed a moratorium on the introduction of any new resident parking schemes in 2019 to enable a full review of the existing approach to be taken. This review was required as elements of the existing policy were not working effectively and were not meeting the needs of residents. There were also concerns relating to the impact of schemes on local services and the town and district centres. In order to ensure a coordinated approach, it was agreed that all policies and procedures relating to residents parking, including the Town Centre, would be reviewed.

In light of the above, the purpose of this paper is:

·         To seek comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions

·         To seek feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions and seeking feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The proposals would make the residents’ parking service more sustainable in the future. It was important to have a system that paid for itself.

·         The inclusion of charging points for electric vehicles was commended, although this would be more problematic for those who lived in terraced streets without their own driveways.

·         One of the variety of options considered for parking controls was the ‘potential for the inclusion of secure cycle parking where appropriate’. A Member that this should be worded in a more definitive manner.

·         It was clarified that the proposal for Councillors to receive a free permit covering all residents parking zones to enable them to carry out their responsibilities would be withdrawn.

·         Support was given to the proposal to reconsider the cost of a permit.

·         It was useful to have a breakdown of the cost of the proposed permits and how the recovery of the cost had been derived at. Concern was expressed about how much of the extra cost of a permit Area Committees would be required to pay, as well as the cost of the surveys being carried out.

·         As Heald Green did not have any permit parking it was queried whether it was still reasonable to expect the Ward to contribute towards the costs.

·         In the list of professions eligible for a medical and carers permit, it was suggested that carers who visited people’s homes should be added.

·         A Member expressed a wish for there to be a greater emphasis on public transport in the proposals and for it be improved.

·         The issue of parking on pavements should be referred to in the policy.

·         The report stated that Blue Badge holders who were residents would be issued with a visitor or a residents permit free of charge. As a number of disabled people received a Council tax rebate, it may be possible to introduce a similar system with regard to residents’ parking permits.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

NOTE: This item has been placed on the agenda following a recommendation of the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee.

The Council placed a moratorium on the introduction of any new resident parking schemes in 2019 to enable a full review of the existing approach to be taken. This review was required as elements of the existing policy were not working effectively and were not meeting the needs of residents. There were also concerns relating to the impact of schemes on local services and the town and district centres. In order to ensure a coordinated approach, it was agreed that all policies and procedures relating to residents parking, including the Town Centre, would be reviewed.

In light of the above, the purpose of this paper is:

·         To seek comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions

·         To seek feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions and seeking feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was suggested that the proposal to provide councillors with a free permit covering all residents parking zones in their wards and cabinet members to park across the borough should be removed from the proposed scheme.

·         Members welcomed the flexible approach adopted in the report by balancing the needs of the various road users and officers being able to apply their discretion, rather than a one size fits all across the borough.

·         Clarification was sought regarding the list of medical, paramedics and carers permits and the costs of the permit. In response, it was noted that carers rely on the ‘visitors permit’ with limited timeframes and it was being looked at in terms of the options and what works well and best managed.

·         Concern was expressed regarding the increase in charges and the potential discrimination that could be shown against low income families who could not afford off road parking and may need a vehicle for work e.g. delivery and taxi drivers.

·         It was commented that the moratorium on the residents parking schemes would be welcomed once the policy is in place.

·         It was suggested that disabled bays was not addressed in the report and some consideration should be given to residents parking bays and blue badge users and the monitoring of the enforcement in those areas. In response, it was noted that the issue raised regarding the disabled bay was also being considered, but due to the legislation there was very little that could be done.

·         It was noted that the increase in charges should not be doubled in one go, it should be phased in over two or three years. In response, it was noted that the Cabinet Member responsible was still considering the increase in charges and the concerns that had been raised and the outcome would be reported to the Committee at a future meeting.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted. 

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The Council placed a moratorium on the introduction of any new resident parking schemes in 2019 to enable a full review of the existing approach to be taken. This review was required as elements of the existing policy were not working effectively and were not meeting the needs of residents. There were also concerns relating to the impact of schemes on local services and the town and district centres. In order to ensure a coordinated approach, it was agreed that all policies and procedures relating to residents parking, including the Town Centre, would be reviewed.

In light of the above, the purpose of this paper is:

·         To seek comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions

·         To seek feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions and seeking feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the proposal within the report to supply councillors with free permits allowing them to park in residents parking zones in their wards and what the justification was for this.  In response, it was stated that the proposal had been included on the basis that members may need to visit a resident or some other duty connected with their role as a councillor as part of their duties and where it would be difficult to park in another area. 

·         It was queried how visitors to residential accommodation within the town centre would be accommodated within the proposals, particularly in the light of proposals to significantly increase residential developments in the town centre.  In response it was stated that there was insufficient space to provide parking capacity for residents and visitors, however it was stated that the town centre benefited from the best public transport infrastructure in the borough so people can get into the town centre by alternative means.

·         The report stated that it did not anticipate any impact on LGBTQ people, however it was suggested that they are far more likely to be victims of hate crime and are therefore more cautious in their behaviour and as a consequence have an interest in being able to park as close as possible to their door.  In response, it was stated that this would be reviewed in the light of the concerns expressed.

·         In response to a question about behavioural change and what work had been undertaken thus far, it was stated that the council and TfGM had invested significantly in walking and cycling schemes to encourge the use of alternative modes of transport.

·         Consideration needed to be given providing a facility for carers and personal care providers to park without incurring significant financial penalties.

·         It was requested that ward councillors be involved in delineating the boundaries of the town centre for parking policy purposes.

·         Discusions were ongoing with regard to the final cost to residents for a parking permit under the new scheme.

·         It was clarified that any scheme would be introduced at least initially using paper-based permits, however work was taking place to transition this to e-permits.

·         It was suggested that the report be submitted to area committees for their comments in the light of the localised impact that the proposed strategy would have on communities across the borough.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Proper Office be requested to place this matter on the agendas of the area committees for the week commencing 28 September 2020.