Agenda item

To approve and enable the Parking Service to proceed with the realisation of two savings schemes which require further consideration before a final decision is reached, namely: 

1.1.1 To extend short stay car park enforcement hours from 10:00 to 16:30 to 

9:00 to 17:00.   

1.1.2 Adjustment to Band 2 Long Stay Fee Structure.

To approve a new parking order that harmonises current arrangements and includes the
above changes.

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The report was presented by Cllr Craig ab Iago. 

DECISION

To approve and enable the Parking Service to proceed with the realisation of two savings plans which required further consideration before a final decision is reached, namely: 

1.1.1 Short stay car park enforcement hours extended from 10:00 to 16:30 to 9:00 to 17:00.   

1.1.2 Adjustment to Band 2 Long Stay Fee Structure.

A new parking order that reconciled current arrangements and included the above changes was approved.

DISCUSSION

The background to the item was given, noting that this scheme was part of plans to meet the deficit between the parking income target and what was being achieved. The item was said to have been presented to Cabinet in 2024, and it was confirmed that what had been approved then was now up and running and performing as anticipated.

It was noted that the income target had increased since the report was presented in 2024/25, necessitating further action for it to be met.

It was revealed that the changes introduced in 2025 had been fairly well received, with minimal reaction. Attention was drawn to the season tickets that offered good value for money compared to paying per visit.

It was explained that the Department had reviewed the parking order, concluding that a new order needed to be introduced which brought more consistency in terms of maps of the car parks for example.

It was highlighted that the service was currently introducing 32 new pay and display machines, intended to give customers a better standard of service as well as securing income.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       It was noted that it was extremely difficult to compare Gwynedd's parking structure situation with other counties, as structures varied from one county to the other. However, it was noted that it was possible to make a comparison between some aspects such as the costs of annual season tickets - adding that these tickets were very reasonable in Gwynedd. It was reported that feedback from visitors also supported the fact that parking in Gwynedd was reasonable compared to their own local areas. It was explained that it was felt that a balance had been struck here between providing for local needs and generating income where possible.

·       Reference was made to the cost of both local and season parking tickets, with an explanation given of what was available to residents. All information regarding this provision was said to be on the Council's website.

·       A question was asked as to whether consideration had been given to the impact of extended enforcement hours on local businesses. Assurance was given that there was an on-street parking strategy, enabling people to park on the street for periods of 30 minutes-1 hour for quick visits to shops.

·       It was asked how this change would be communicated to the public, to avoid people being caught out. In response, it was proposed that there was an opportunity to go further than the statutory requirement by warning about this change to raise residents' awareness in general.

·       It was proposed that a grace period be granted for the initial stage of the extended enforcement period, but assurance was given that there would be plenty of time between the proposal being approved and enforced in order to raise sufficient awareness of the change. The challenges that introducing a grace period would cause in terms of county-wide consistency were echoed, as were the challenges for the officers enforcing the orders.

·       Reference was made to the equality impact assessment, with members pleased that there would be no change for blue badge holders. The challenge encountered by older people using these parking machines was recognised, and it was proposed that attention should be given to making car parks more age-friendly in moving forwards. In response, the new machines introduced to car parks were said to hopefully provide more consistency for residents and that there was an attempt to make the service more accessible.

·       Attention was drawn to the fact that there was no mobile coverage in several areas, meaning that some people could not pay.