Purpose

The report proposed the
adoption of a new Residential Parking Policy to provide a clear,
evidence-based framework for managing on-street parking across the
district. This policy follows the adoption of the wider Parking
Strategy and addresses issues regarding highway access, road
safety, and obstructive parking caused by unregulated demand.
Following public consultation, the policy was amended to ensure
that individuals, as well as ward councillors and resident groups,
can propose new parking schemes.

Decision

Cabinet agreed the
following:
 

The adoption of the
Residential Parking Policy as set out in Annex 1 of the Cabinet
report with the Trigger Phase altered to include individual
requests which will be dealt with informally; by making contact
with the other residents and ward councillors to gauge support
prior to the formal phase where the viability of the scheme will be
looked at.

Reasons for the decision

Adopting the policy ensures
that decisions regarding on-street parking management are fair and
consistent. It provides the Council with the necessary parameters
to resolve access and safety issues while ensuring community
buy-in. Without this policy, the district would lack a defined
framework for implementing residential parking schemes, leading to
potential confusion and inconsistency.

Alternative options considered

Not adopting the
policy: This was rejected as it would lead to continued
inconsistency in how schemes are applied for and implemented,
creating confusion for residents and failing to address safety
concerns.
Amending the policy
to be more or less prescriptive: The drafted policy was considered
the most appropriate balance for both the Council and residents,
particularly following the inclusion of amendments that protected
the voice of individual residents.