Agenda item

The Parking Annual Report 2018-19 for Guildford and recommendations to the Joint Committee in respect of on-street parking and the use of the surplus generated from this service.

The Guildford Joint Committee:

       i.          Noted the contents of Annex 1, the Parking Annual Report for 2018-19 and the current and planned work associated with on street parking,

      ii.          Agreed to the introduction of Pay by Phone technology, providing customers more flexibility in payment options and extending visits,

     iii.          Recommended a review in conjunction with Surrey County Council on replacement of current on-street Pay & Display (P&D) equipment.

Reasons for recommendations:

      ii.          By introducing Pay by Phone technology in on-street parking locations, we can rationalise the number of P&D machines required and the amount of cash collections needed, while still offering customers the ability to pay by cash, as well as providing them with alternative, flexible payment options and easier ways to extend their stay,

   iii.            The current on-street P&D machines are all around 22 years old and only accept coins. Whilst they have performed well over that period, the machines look dated, are susceptible to increased security threats and the continued availability of spare parts is likely to become an issue. The latest P&D machines have improved security features and provide improved customer experience, by offering more flexible payment options, such as contactless card payments. Improved technology would also allow for reduced operating, maintenance costs, and enhanced management of the equipment, which are networked and able to provide ‘real-time’ information. In summary, the equipment would benefit from upgrading.

Declarations of Interest: None

Officers attending: Andy Harkin, Parking Manager, Guildford Borough Council

Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None.

Member Discussion – key points:  

Andy Harkin stated that since the publication of the report he had received new information that showed no notable decline in ticket sales and revenue following the introduction of new tariffs for 30-minute pay and display parking in Guildford centre. Trial contactless pay and display machines have proved successful as well; it was noted that all new equipment will retain the option for cash payment.

The recently completed parking review generated a very high number of representations, which are being processed. The majority of items will come to the Joint Committee in spring 2020 after discussion at the Parking & Air Quality working group, but there are a number of straightforward ones that will dealt with under delegated authority in consultation with the chairman and vice-chairman.

Cllr Witham left the meeting at this point.

The issue of the Park & Ride surplus was raised. Originally 100% was retained by GBC but in April 2018 with the introduction of a new agency agreement the surplus was split with 80% to GBC and 20% to SCC, and this could impact on introducing new Park & Ride facilities. Revenue generated by on-street parking could be used to help finance the development of Park & Ride, though.

Cllr Ellwood left the meeting at this point.

On the subject of parking charges levied by Ringo, which are higher for uses of their app than for users who pay with cash, it was stated that the current arrangement ends in 2020 and GBC is looking at developing a new framework.

It was reported that there has been positive feedback from schools regarding the School Watch scheme with schools approaching GBC and asking to be involved. Where they have the power to do so, enforcement officers speak to drivers and ask them to turn off their engines, and the GBC Parking team is in contact with air quality colleagues to examine the relevant legislation covering other areas.

Resolved:

The Guildford Joint Committee:

       i.          Noted the contents of Annex 1, the Parking Annual Report for 2018-19 and the current and planned work associated with on street parking,

      ii.          Agreed to the introduction of Pay by Phone technology, providing customers more flexibility in payment options and extending visits,

     iii.          Recommended a review in conjunction with Surrey County Council on replacement of current on-street Pay & Display (P&D) equipment.

Reasons for recommendations:

      ii.          By introducing Pay by Phone technology in on-street parking locations, we can rationalise the number of P&D machines required and the amount of cash collections needed, while still offering customers the ability to pay by cash, as well as providing them with alternative, flexible payment options and easier ways to extend their stay,

   iii.            The current on-street P&D machines are all around 22 years old and only accept coins. Whilst they have performed well over that period, the machines look dated, are susceptible to increased security threats and the continued availability of spare parts is likely to become an issue. The latest P&D machines have improved security features and provide improved customer experience, by offering more flexible payment options, such as contactless card payments. Improved technology would also allow for reduced operating, maintenance costs, and enhanced management of the equipment, which are networked and able to provide ‘real-time’ information. In summary, the equipment would benefit from upgrading.