There will be discussion on the latest plans for parking provision along both Allendale Road and Francis Street.
Minutes:
The City Mayor was in attendance to lead on a discussion on the latest plans for parking provision along both Allandale Road and Francis Street.
The City Mayor confirmed that following the presentation of a petition relating to difficulties with customer parking in both Allendale Road and Francis Street, he had met with a group of traders. Two meetings had taken place in order to ascertain the principles, and as a result, it was proposed to commence an experimental parking scheme. It was made clear that such a scheme could be removed at any particular time.
The City Mayor explained that the idea of free parking for up to 20 minutes had been suggested to him, but that such a system was not suitable as it was open to potential abuse, and as such, would be introducing a nominal charge for short-term parking.
The City Mayor expected the proposed scheme to provide benefit to traders, and by including unrestricted parking for residents on Francis Street, would also be suitable for residents. The City Mayor offered to continue to meet with traders and residents over the coming months to monitor the effect of the scheme.
In response to a question, the City Mayor confirmed that the cost of installing the ticket machines was relatively cheap, and intended to use recyclable machines.
It was noted that other parking experiments in the areas had previously taken place. It was acknowledged that the response to these schemes had been mixed, though the City Mayor reported that traders had generally expressed support.
A number of residents were concerned about the inability to park outside or close to their homes. The City Mayor felt that it was vital for the City Wardens to play an active role in ensuring that penalty notices were issued to those who parked illegally in marked parking zones.
Councillor Grant confirmed that the Ward Councillors had previously provided cycle racks in the Francis Street and Allendale Road in an attempt to encourage an increase in cycling by customers. He agreed to consider further provision if deemed necessary.
In response to a further query, the City Mayor confirmed that there was no specific spaces for blue badge holders, but that such motorists could park in any of the marked parking areas.
Those present were in general agreement that the experimental parking scheme should be introduced, and that the matter would be discussed at a future meeting to monitor its success. The City Mayor confirmed that the scheme was intended to run for 12 months, though the initial level of success would be recognised by the reaction from both traders and residents over the next three months. The City Mayor further confirmed that following this meeting, letters would be sent to all traders to inform them of the intention to commence an experimental parking scheme. It was likely that the parking machines would be installed by mid-February 2013, and that the experiment would commence at around this time.
Although there was general support to introduce the scheme as an experiment, a number of potential issues were raised, with some residents predicting a knock-on effect to those residing in neighbouring streets. Councillor Moore reminded those present that this proposal was an experiment in order to gain the views of residents, and encouraged feedback to be provided to the Ward Councillors.
RESOLVED:
That the experimental parking scheme should be introduced, and that the matter would be discussed at a Ward Meeting in Summer 2013 to monitor its success.