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The Senior Network Operations Manager introduced the report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services which followed on from the Wirral Parking Strategy which was approved in 2023 and detailed the objections received following statutory consultation to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order for the introduction of various car parking charges.

Members noted the overwhelming opposition to parking charges from residents and highlighted the differences between on and off-street parking with off street parking having an income target which had not been met.

Members drew attention to the approach of the proposed charges suggesting that a one size fits all approach was not appropriate, noting that New Brighton already had an overnight charge for campervans and motorhomes, but that West Kirby did not, yet the same parking charges were proposed to be applied to both. It was suggested that a review of car parks should be taken on a case-by-case basis to determine whether parking charges should be implemented.

The effect on residents and local businesses in Bromborough and Eastham was acknowledged, and the issues of parking being displaced into side roads causing congestion and customers choosing to visit large retail parks where parking was free rather than local businesses where they would have to pay for parking were highlighted to the Committee.

The Chair noted that the report contained a detailed list of officer mitigations to objections and Members urged fellow Councillors to work with residents to support them through the options and mitigations and asked for a review of the parking charges to be added to the work programme.

Councillor Allan Brame then proposed a motion, seconded by Councillor Jeff Green. Councillor Max Booth proposed an alternate motion, also seconded by Councillor Jeff Green.

Following a discussion, it was agreed that Councillor Allan Brame would withdraw his motionas it was substantially similar to the Conservative motion but requested a small change which was accepted as a friendly amendment.

The alternative motion was:

The Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee notes public feedback on the proposals via the 3070 online submissions received to the Have Your Say portal and the multiple petitions received and thanks members of the public for their engagement on this important issue.

Committee recognises the shortfall in income and reluctantly agrees the proposed increase in parking charges at current charged for sites including the  £1 overnight charge in existing sites and inflationary increases.

In light of significant public opposition, Committee rejects the introduction of car parking charges in New Brighton (86.3% of respondents object), Hoylake and Meols (86.3% of respondents object) and West Kirby (85.9% reject object) (recommendation 2d)

In light of significant public opposition (93.9% or respondents object), Committee believes any introduction of charges to 22 off street council car parks, including Moreton and Bebington, needs to be undertaken on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to the economic impact on nearby shops and businesses, integration with public transport and the potential for displaced parking into nearby residential roads. This case-by-case consideration will be delegated to the Director of Neighbourhood Services in consultation with the Chair and spokes of Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee.

Members voted on the motion with 4 voting for and 7 voting against with no abstentions so the motionwas lost.

Councillor Liz Grey moved the officer recommendations, seconded by Councillor Steve Foulkes.

Members then voted on the motion moving the officer recommendations with 7 voting for and 4 voting against with no abstentions and so the motion was carried.

It was therefore -

Resolved (7:4) – That

(1)  the comments and objections received, following public consultation as part of the necessary traffic regulation order process, together with officer responses be noted; and

(2) the following be approved:

a)  introduction of charges as set out in appendix 1 at off street council owned car parks, that are listed in appendix 1 to this report through the introduction of an amended traffic regulation order;

b)   introduction of a £1 overnight charge at off street council owned car parks, that are listed in appendix 1 to this report through the introduction of an amended traffic regulation order;

c)   an increase of 20p per hour to the car parking charges as set out in appendix 1 at existing council car parks listed in appendix 1 to this report that currently charge through the introduction of a variation to the existing traffic regulation order;

d)  introduction of car parking charges in on street bays at new Brighton, Hoylake and Meols and West Kirby, as detailed in appendix 1 through the introduction of a new traffic regulation order;

e)  a £1 overnight charge in on street parking bays at new Brighton, Hoylake and Meols and West Kirby through the introduction of a new traffic regulation order;

f)   an increase of 20p per hour to the car parking charges at on street bays where fees already apply in the Birkenhead controlled zone through the introduction of an amended traffic regulation order as set out in appendix 1;

g)  a £1 overnight charge in on street parking bays at the Birkenhead controlled zone through the introduction of an amended traffic regulation order.