Decision details

The Partnership considered the report of Dave Marrin, Traffic Services Manager that set out the proposals that had arisen from the Parking Task and Finish Group.

The report identified that the key points raised by business leaders at the first meeting were:-

·       Fundamentally, business leaders wished to see the revitalisation of Southport and this could not be addressed by parking alone.

·       Parking was something that was of key concern to local businesses and pricing policies could affect their viability.

·       Southport needed to be able to effectively compete with neighbouring places with an attractive offer.

·       The Council needed to commit to taking a holistic approach to the sustainability of Southport.  This meant that the Council needed to look at a flexible parking policy that may mean loss of income to the Council balanced against loss of trade, jobs and visitor numbers in Southport.

·       The approach to parking policy in Sefton needed to take into account the fact that each area had different needs.

The report also provided information on the length of parking stay in the Red, Yellow and Blue Zones of Southport; the income generated by parking activity; and that overall, 63% of vehicles parked for 1 hour or less, 27% for between 1 and 2 hours and less than 10% for more than 2 hours.

The report concluded by seeking the views of the Partnership on the following 11 options that were outlined in the report relating to:-

1.          Allowing up to 4 hours parking in the Red Zone

2.          Allowing the first hour as free parking

3.          Parking being free before 10 00 a.m./free after 3.00 p.m.

4.          Refunds to be given by retailers

5.       Pay by phone

6.          Replace outdated machines

7.          Increasing the number of Pay and Display places

8.          Corporate advertising

9.          Review of the Zones

10.     Park and Ride promotional scheme for workers

11.     Sefton MBC to undertake more research into a potential loyalty and parking discount card for local residents.

RESOLVED:

That Partnership Members submit their views on the proposed options direct to the Chairman and thereafter the Traffic Services Manager be requested to submit a further report seeking determination of which options should be formally adopted.