The report proposes the modernisation of pay and display parking and the introduction of emissions-based charging for parking and residents permits across the Borough.

The Committee considered a report setting out proposed changes to Parking Services including the modernisation of pay and display parking and the introduction of emissions-based charging for parking and residents permits across the Borough in support of wider policy objectives around air quality, health and climate.  The following documents were attached to the report:

·         Appendix 1 - Pay and display machines with under 1,000 transactions per annum

·         Appendix 2 - Emissions based charging scale

·         Appendix 3 - Tariff structure including emissions charges

·         Appendix 4 - On street permits

·         Appendix 5 - Climate Impact Assessment

·         Appendix 6 - Equality Impact Assessment

·         Appendix 7 - Green House Gas Emissions by Sector (UK 2021)

The report noted that the current pay and display machines were located across the Borough with little historical data to support the decision on the specific locations or numbers of machines provided.  The machines currently allowed customers to pay by cash only, with a standalone pay by phone option operated by the RingGo App.  They were nearing end of life and critically, support for the machines’ connectivity would be lost when the national 3G network was switched off by three of the four main operators.  Operating the machines without this functionality would lead to additional cost, a likely reduction in revenue and a poor customer experience.

The report explained that the need to replace the machines had aligned with a wider review of the need for the assets, particularly given the sustained use of RingGo and a report commissioned by the Council which had recommended a rationalisation of the on-street tariff structure.  The report therefore proposed a reduction in the number of machines and a change from seven to three tariff zones: Inner town centre, Outer town centre, and Outer Reading.  The simplification of zones would mean a less confusing structure for those using the service and reduce time and costs for the Council.  Replacement of the machines also offered an opportunity to upgrade functionality, such as providing card transactions which the current machines largely did not have.

The report also proposed the introduction of emissions-based charging for parking and residents permits across the Borough supported by modernisation of the parking permit system.  Emissions-based pay and display charging could be introduced in line with the roll out of the new machines and the report set out a proposed charging scale at Appendix 3 as well as examples of the types of vehicles that would fall within each emissions category.  A proposed Emissions Based charging regime for parking permits was set out at Appendix 4.

It was reported at the meeting that an amended version of the report would be circulated to the Committee and published on the Council’s website, in order to correct a small number of errors and formatting issues.

Resolved –

(1)       That the Council’s pay and display machines be replaced as part of an end-of-life upgrade and replacement programme;

(2)       That the number of pay and display machines be reduced from 168 to circa 75 based on analyses of use data and future requirements;

(3)       That the pay and display tariff structures be rationalised from seven to three to simplify customer experience and reduce costs associated with changes to tariffs;

(4)       That on street charges be increased as part of the wider tariff review;

(5)       That the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to undertake statutory consultation processes for the introduction of the proposed new tariff structures and emissions-based charging for on street pay and display, Residents and all other permits;

(6)       That, subject to no objections being received, the schemes be considered as approved for implementation;

(7)       That, should any objections be received during the statutory consultation period, they be reported to a future meeting of the relevant Committee or Sub-Committee for consideration and decision regarding scheme implementation.