We are against the implementation of parking charges.
The Executive is determined to introduce them across Clevedon, Nailsea and Portishead and they are asking for a blank cheque in exchange for a policy which is lacking fundamental details.
It's clear that the Parking Management Strategy only introduces charges to raise money. It doesn't manage our highways or support our town centres.
Our towns need a new deal, in order to thrive.
It's evident that the Executive will continue ploughing ahead; we are demanding better.
Our amendments will ensure that the costs provide tangible benefits, that implementation is integrated with wider policies, and that our highways get the investment they deserve.
We will always demand better for our towns and have your back, not raid your pocket.
Our Amendments
- Creation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor the value and efficacy of the policy.
- Annual reporting of all revenue raised and its uses to Placemaking, Economy and Planning (PEP) Panel.
- Income from civil enforcement and on-street parking is only used in or near the three towns, on potholes/road repairs and community travel grants (public transport for the vulnerable) after the maintenance of car parks.
- Creation of a funding formula which ensures a portion of the revenue raised is net to Highways and is a genuine “surplus” and “reinvestment”.
- An investment strategy, providing an ambition with reasonable accuracy, for the use of revenues over the five-year term of the Parking Management Strategy.
- Providing businesses a voice, through an engagement mechanism and that charges are reviewed according to the needs of our high streets/town centres whilst noting inflation.
- Amending the Action Plan to include wider workstreams such as guidance for permitted development, Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy, technology, restriction reviews (with the aim to increase parking provision) and a review of potential parking sites.
- Any revenues raised from EV Charging, after covering costs to be spent on road repairs and/or community transport.
- Revising the implementation timescales in Clevedon to prevent doubled up disruption from implementation of charges and remedial works on the Seafront.
- Prioritising Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) ‘Town Routes’ to offer a viable alternative to the car for short journeys inside our towns at the same time as discouraging car use.
- Withdrawing Hill Rd, Alexandra Rd and Bellevue Rd (HAB) from the Parking Management Strategy due to its inclusion breaching corporate values, having no policy justification, or support from scrutiny.
- Form a working group with Portishead members and prioritise permits for the Lake Grounds charities and clubs to ensure that a localised solution is reached.
- Reinstate Nailsea’s community transport grant.
- Consider 1-hour free parking in all car parks near to privately owned free parking.
