Members of public who requested to speak on the item:

-           Mr Cross

-           Mr M Clarke

-           Mr Dougherty

-           Mr Christian

-           Mr Brook

·         SH explained the purpose of the report and the options that could be considered.  Requires TWP to make a recommendation for a decision maker approval which will form part of the Revenue Budget Report (Fees & Charges) due at Council 6^th February 2013.

·         Report analyse the use and data from machines to feed into the assumptions on all the options.

Options:-

-     Both on-street and off-street

-     Commuter parking

-     Short stay/long stay

-     Seasonal

-     Permits/Residents passes.

Option 1

No change for 2013/14

Option 2

Recommended by officers – adjusted charges to meet a neutral budget position but taking on some of the concerns raised by industry/residents on-board.

Option 3

Option for lower priced parking which will estimate to lose £500k per

annum on assumptions.  How we collect data – each machine can

provide a full breakdown on the tickets issued for which time allocation and this is the data used to make the estimates.  Officers can use the historical knowledge and data from the past years.  Majority of tickets are sold for shorter time stays.

·         Mr Cross – Chairman of Chamber of Commerce – could not understand budget or budget impact.  Concerned on the refection on income and the pricing related to Exeter’s, urging Councillors to recommend we reduce pricing rates.

·         Mr Clarke – Distributed printed document “Welcome back to Torbay” (attached to minutes).  Recommending to the Mayor to take on this proposal as the alternative.

·         Mr Dougherty submitted a letter which was read out to the TWP (attached to minutes). 

·         Mr Christian – representing Babbacombe and St Marychurch Business Improvement District.  Concerned it is only a review on pricing and not a wider review.  A Full Parking Review needs wider consideration.  Consider option 2 may also have risks as does option 1 with inflation.  Recommends a wider review in future looking wider at all parking related elements – occupancy/use/overall policies.  There are prospects to make more money from the spaces per day.  Do not allow all day parking on-street.  Reduce car park charges for those using all day (Communities).

·         Mr Brooks – suggestions that were shared at formal meetings are not all noted or included.  But some of the ideas were not taken forward in the review.  Mr Brooks business – his customers did not buy the weekly tickets and go outside Torbay attractions which are cheaper - everyone lost money.  Holiday makers are going elsewhere.  Average time spent is under 2 hours at parking spaces.  Pay on exit is in few car parks.  Suggest all car parks are pay on exit.  Reduce car park charges to double the use.  Businesses can introduce a “thank you scheme” – particularly in Bid areas.  This would make us the most welcoming town in Devon. 

·         SH responded to some of the issues raised by public speakers.

·         Councillor Cowell thanked all those who contributed and worked on it.  Welcomed introduction of time changes and permits.  Promotion needs to take place on new pricing when introduced.  Annual Review Report should be done in September each year.  So this can better feed into the budget process.  Monthly permit standing order charge should be reduced.  Suggested bar code readers are purchased at £30,000, to check permits are not abused.  Councillor Cowell suggested parts of option 2/3 were considered.  SH agreed to discuss and look at bar code option.  Also looking at other technology as these become available in the market.

·         Councillor Brooksbank raised concern regarding all day parking outside small stopping areas.  This works on beaches but not near parades of shops.

·         Councillor Addis – must improve the offer including the retail offer as well as parking.  38% of all shopping transactions are now done online.  Must consider the wider issues.

·         Councillor Amil agrees to the change in timing and the residents parking.  Likes some in option 2 and option 3.

·         Councillor Doggett considers we should have pay on exit in all locations.  Palace Avenue/Queens Road – consider no charges on Sundays.

·         Councillor Davis – Paignton is much quieter now and concerned the town will suffer: if parking is not improved.

·         Councillor Lewis – need to change the offer in Torbay to make people want to come.  Does not consider 50p off will change the parking levels.  On-street should be short stay.  Pay on exit should be put on a car park in Paignton.  Torbay needs a long term strategy and a plan for 20 years. 

·         Suggestions:- businesses to sell tickets.  SH advised that Vat issues need to be resolved then businesses can sell on our behalf.

·         SH advised have Park Mark Awards in all car parks – CCTV coverage have resulted in less than 1% crime in car parking areas. 

·         Councillor Cowell Option 2 – recommended an amendment:-  varied in “all” car park on page 44 for “time restricted permits”.

·         Annual permit and off-street permit be merged at £480 for both not to have any differential for monthly or annual payments.

·         Councillor Excell – review has taken place.  Pay on exit is the way forward long term.  Thanked the businesses and officers for all their work on this.

Recommendation:

Proposed: Councillor Cowell with understanding that the amendment will be included;  Seconded: Councillor Addis.

1 x abstention

All others in favour – motion and amendment carried.