Your views needed on car parking proposals

Harborough District Council’s Executive agreed on Monday 10 October 2016 to carry out a public consultation on its revised car parking strategy due to be implemented next year.

Earlier this year, the council commissioned an independent report which set out a number of recommendations on how car parking facilities can meet the future needs of residents, businesses and visitors.

These have been incorporated into a draft Parking Strategy which the public will be invited to comment on.

Councillor Neil Bannister, Harborough District Council’s portfolio holder for environment and regulation, said: “It is crucial that our car parking facilities meet the growing needs of residents, businesses and visitors. We need to use our car parks efficiently and effectively so I hope people will help us achieve this and take part in this consultation.”

The Parking Strategy sets how the council’s parking assets should meet local needs, as well as reflect the long term sustainability of the district as set out in the new Local Plan.

It also states that car parks should be adequately maintained and that the council is required to maximise the use of its assets, whilst supporting economic vitality.

The report makes a number of recommendations for consideration and development through the car parking strategy review.

These include:

• Compare parking tariffs with neighbouring authorities and other English market towns, on a regular basis, to ensure the district remains competitive
• Review the current tariff structure and pricing policy for pay and display car parks – including permits
• Explore alternative payment methods for pay and display car parks
• Analyse trends and capacity data to inform long term parking requirements
• Explore options to help maximise availability of spaces
• Look at possibility of widening the ‘pop and shop’ scheme (bays with 30 minute free period)  to other car park locations in the district
• Look at car park access, layout and signage
• Explore coach parking options including potential drop off points

Consideration of the removal of Bank Holiday Charges and the continuation of free parking on Sunday are options for consideration as part of the tariff review.   

Electric vehicle charging points could also be introduced in council car parks.

The closing dates for comments as part of the consultation is Tuesday 15 November 2016.

The final strategy will be considered by the council’s Executive on the 5 December 2016, with the new proposed order going to Full Council for approval on the 12 December 2016.   

The public will be able to make representations on the Parking Order in the new year before it is implemented in April 2017.

Have your say on the car parking strategy at www.harborough.gov.uk/consultation. Paper copies of the consultation will also be available in the council reception.