The Chair introduced and presented the report from the Working Group on Car Parking Charges which was then considered by Members.

The report was bought to the Policy and Resources Committee on the 7th October 2020 by the Director of Neighbourhood Services. This report ‘car parking charges options’ informed Members of considerations for the reintroduction of the current car parking charges in Wirral in 2020/21 and alternative options for parking charges in 2021/22 and beyond. The group considered the request made by the Policy and Resource Committee to consider the options attached in appendix 1 of the report. After much debate, Members considered options 4 and 6 (to re-introduce parking charges immediately at all locations and respectively and to re-introduce charges at long-stay and on-street and County parks but not ‘shoppers’ car parks) acceptable with some caveats. They wished to submit these to the Policy and Resource Committee for consideration.

On a motion by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Christina Muspratt, it was –

Resolved (7:4) – That

(1)   the findings of the Working Group attached as appendix 1 of this report be noted and the recommendations be agreed:

·  Members support the upcoming transport strategy and recommend that any future transport strategy consults with Members, businesses, communities to ensure that it is environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable.

·  The panel also recommends that a comprehensive review and survey is undertaken in Wirral as to the local impact of car parking charges on footfall and spend in retail areas and the high street.

·  Members considered the request made by the Policy and Resource committee to consider the options attached in appendix 1 of this report. After much debate, Members considered the following options were acceptable and wish to submit them to the Policy and Resource Committee for consideration.

Option 4 (re-introduce parking charges immediately at all locations) Members understood that there would be no reintroduction of car parking charges until early 2021. They acknowledge the need to support local retailers during the second lockdown and in the run up to Christmas. Five of the six working group Members wished to put forward Option 4 to be considered alongside any subsequent reviews or studies.

Two of the five Members requested an additional caveat that Country Parks remain free until after lockdown due to the perceived health and wellbeing implications. Concerns were raised that introducing car parking charges in Country Parks would limit their accessibility to low-income car owners, especially during COVID-19 when more people are facing financial pressures. One Member also raised the point that charging for parking in country parks did not reduce visitor number and that the income generated would help with repairs and maintenance of the parks.

Option 6 (re-introduce charges at long-stay and on-street and County parks but not ‘shoppers’ car parks) One Member of the working group also wished to put forward option 6 for consideration. This Member was satisfied with this option in its entirety, however other working group members again raised concerns about reintroduction of car parking charges in Country Parks, for the reasons stated above and because of the environmental impact.

(2)   this report be referred to the Policy and Resources Committee for their consideration.