Issue - meetings

Purpose of Report

To report to the Executive the options relating to the expansion of Residents’ Parking Schemes in Lincoln.

Decision

That the Executive:

(1)  Supports the proposal to commence formal consultations to introduce extensions to the Residents’ Parking Scheme for the streets identified in Appendices A and B.

(2)  Supports the proposal to commence formal consultations to introduce extensions to the Residents’ Parking Scheme for the Bailgate between Newport Arch and Westgate.

(3)  Supports the proposal to commence formal consultations to introduce extensions to the Residents’ Parking Scheme for the streets identified in Appendices C and D.

(4)  That officers review parking demands in the parts of St Catherine’s and Newark Road marked blue on Appendix C and also the sections of Monks Road beyond the existing Residents’ Parking Scheme area, upon consultation of the proposals above.

(5)  That, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, additional streets identified for inclusion as part of proposed Residents’ Parking Schemes since the publication of the report be included as part of the above formal consultations as appropriate.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None.

Reason for Decision

The development and implementation of Residents’ Parking Schemes in Lincoln had been well established over many years and was now in place in 19 zones covering a significant part of the city. It was generally acknowledged that in order to defend residents’ ability to find a place to park near their homes, then an authorisation scheme needed to be operated.

Paragraph 3.2 of the report outlined the process and responsibilities for extending or introducing new Residents’ Parking Schemes. The City Council was responsible for all costs associated with the initial survey work, public consultations, drafting and advertising the Traffic Regulation Order and the corresponding signs and road markings. If supported and agreed, the City Council would administer the permits for residents and retain the permit income in mitigation of costs incurred, which should be no more than the cost of introducing the scheme in accordance with the Road Traffic Act 1984. Once installed, enforcement of on-street contraventions within the Residents’ Parking Scheme was the responsibility of Lincolnshire County Council, with the County Council retaining all income from any Penalty Charge Notices issued to offset the costs of enforcement.

Residents’ Parking Schemes were known to have a number of benefits, not just in helping those residents who lived in a given area. Studies had shown that up to 30% of circulating traffic which was looking for a free parking space was removed from an area after the introduction of parking controls. Further key benefits were set out in paragraph 3.3 of the report.

The expansion of Residents’ Parking Schemes was currently an identified priority within the joint City Council and County Council Parking Strategy for Lincoln, taking into account the expected increase in housing growth within the Lincoln catchment area which would significantly impact car transport seeking to reach Lincoln’s city centre.

Over the last few years public comment had led officers to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47