To agree the findings and recommendations arising from the Parking Scrutiny Challenge Session.

The Committee reviewed the Parking Challenge Session report that outlines the findings and recommendations on the extent to which the Council’s parking permit policy influence’s people’s behaviour. The Report set out eight recommendations for agreement by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  The Challenge Session considered how (i) will the Council manages the demand for parking provision with the projected population growth to reach 361,400 by 2027 and also supported post pandemic business growth; (ii) will the Council continue to maintain its current levels of parking surplus given the

extrinsic change factors such as (a) the Mayor of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion scheme that came into force on 25th October 2021; (b) more planned car free dwellings; (c) drop in footfall from passing trade for businesses; (d) work from home culture; and (e) inflationary costs to public transport; (iii) has the Council encouraged residents and businesses to switch to EV (Electric Vehicle)’s and ensure that they understand the implications for ULEZ expansion scheme; and (iv) capture any insights that help to understand residents behaviour and receptiveness to change, particularly those from lower economic background.  This challenge session provided the Committee with a chance to scrutinise the Council’s current approach to its parking permit policies and how it influences

resident’s behaviour.  The main points raised as a result of questioning maybe summarised as follows:

The Committee:

v  Noted that it was clear from the evidence heard that parking is an integral element of not only the transport strategy but many of the other council’s priorities and aspirations.

v  Acknowledged that striking the right balance for parking to accommodate the diverse needs of the Borough is an ongoing challenge.

v  Welcomed the Council’s ambition to reduce petrol and diesel vehicles to protect the environment and wanted the uptake of electric vehicles facilitated.

v  Recognised that there is an immediate need to manage the current demand for parking and align this with future demand.

v  Thanked Councillor Ahmed for taking the initiative to undertake this challenge session, which had examined an aspect of the Council services that warranted careful scrutiny.

v  Encouraged officers; the Lead Member and the Mayor to consider not just to read the recommendation and the narrative as it (i) explains the reason why those that were able to attend reached those conclusions; and (ii) is evidence of the extent of the problem.

v  Noted the challenges faced by residents and business including the number of empty parking bays that are not being fully utilised, that could be cascaded down to local businesses and residents.

v  Noted that with regard to the permit transfer scheme it is absolutely essential that more flexibility is introduced as the system is not working in a way that is fair and transparent to local residents.  In addition, the current the policy seems to discriminate against smaller families and those who want to downsize into smaller accommodation.

v  Agreed that the report’s recommendations are (i) not there to provide an answer to all  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9