Purpose

Proposal for implementation of one hour free parking offer at Castle
Quay Banbury during  April 2024 (to
incorporate Easter period). To note feedback and evaluation of
Christmas and New Year 2023/24 trial of free Sunday
parking.
 

Content

Resolved
 

(1)          
That the proposal for implementation of one hour per day free
parking offer at Castle Quay Banbury during April 2024 be
approved.
 

(2)          
That the feedback and evaluation of Christmas and New Year
2023/24 trial of free Sunday parking at Castle Quay be
noted.
 

Reasons for the decision

Rationale
for one hour free car parking at Castle Quay in April
2024:
·      
Gain an understanding of the impact on footfall and
town centre vitality.
·      
Provide evidence in order to evaluate success/impact
of scheme.
·      
Follow on from an earlier trial during Christmas and
New Year 2023/24.
·      
Inform future Car Parking Strategy.
 

Alternative options considered

Option 1: Do Nothing
This option has been rejected
as it fails to provide the Council with the information needed to
enable a robust decision making about impact of parking charges on
footfall and car park usage. 

Option 2: Implement Free Parking on a Permanent
Basis.
This option has been rejected
as it is important to have the opportunity to test the impact of a
different charging regime on footfall and car park usage and would
be unaffordable within the context of the council’s 2024/25
budget.