Councillors in Havant have agreed to introduce a range of changes to car parking provision across the borough following a review.
At last night’s (9 July) Cabinet meeting, members voted in favour of the recommendations below:
1) The introduction of Pay and Display parking charges at:
o Bridge Road Car Park, Emsworth
o Langstone Bridge, Hayling Island
o Gunsite, Hayling Island
o Ladybridge Car Park, Purbrook
o Wheatlands Avenue, Hayling Island
2) The removal of Chip & Pin and Wave & Pay as a payment mechanism from all Havant Borough Council owned car parks.
3) To cease Premium Parking Permits Scheme and remove the entry from the Fees and Charges Schedule.
4) The implementation of Sunday parking charges in all Havant Borough Council owned car parks.
5) The promotion of a discounted Pay and Display scheme to shop workers in Havant Borough Council owned car parks.
6) The promotion of monthly Direct Debits as a means of payment for Annual Car Parking Permits in Havant Borough Council owned car parks.
7) To replace paper parking permits with virtual parking permits throughout the borough.
Following suggestions from the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee though, the Cabinet did not agree to the recommendation to introduce charges at the car parks at Emsworth Recreation Ground and Padnell Road, Waterlooville.
Councillor Richard Brown, Cabinet lead for Planning and Environment, said: “Any decision we take that increases costs for those who live, work or visit in our borough is difficult, but I would like to reassure people that we considered all options fully and carefully.
“There is always a balance between providing value for money for residents and ensuring the council manages its budget effectively so that it’s financially sustainable and can continue to provide frontline services.
“The review of car parking across the borough showed that there was no clear structure behind the parking charges that were in place, and there was inequality in terms of where people could park for free while others had to pay.
“We believe the new charging regime to be fairer and more based on the current use of and need for our car parks, as well as more in-line with what neighbouring councils apply.
“We welcomed the views of our colleagues in the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and, after considering their comments, Cabinet decided not to include Emsworth Recreation Ground and Padnell Road among the car parks that will now be Pay and Display. We know these car parks are predominantly used by residents who want to use the nearby green spaces for exercise and enjoyment, and we want to help them do that as part of our commitment to wellbeing.
“A public notice will be displayed in all carparks for a period of 28 days, on the council’s website and in the Hampshire Independent newspaper to notify users of the changes.
“Cabinet will then consider any representations received during this consultation period and make any necessary amendments to the proposed fees before formally adopting them.”