West End parking fees are madness, Mary Portas tells No 10
From the (London ) Evening Standard - Tuesday 12th December
New parking charges in the West End are to be branded "sheer madness" in a report ordered by David Cameron.
TV retail expert Mary Portas, who has led a government-commissioned review into saving high streets, will issue the starkest warning yet against Westminster council's plan for new evening and weekend levies.
The Evening Standard understands that her report, to be published tomorrow, will even suggest that the new parking regime is being introduced "under the pretence" of tackling congestion when it is in fact to raise money - which could be unlawful.
"In central London, for example, much has been made of the decision to penalise those wishing to shop out of hours by imposing additional parking restrictions on the pretence that late-night traffic needs to be managed," the report is expected to say. "This is just sheer madness and the only upside I can see is extra revenues generated for the council."
The damning report comes as cash-strapped Westminster unveiled a public services revolution to save millions of pounds, floating a raft of controversial changes to benefits, libraries, keeping the streets clean, as well as new licensing and tourism levies.
Read what Mary says about regeneration of our town centres
http://www.maryportas.com/news/2011/12/12/my-28-recommendations/
The Portas Review
An Independent Review into the Future of our High Streets
The following list is a summary of my 28 recommendations:
1. Put in place a “Town Team”: a visionary, strategic and strong operational management team for high streets
2. Empower successful Business Improvement Districts to take on more responsibilities and powers and become “Super-BIDs”
3. Legislate to allow landlords to become high street investors by contributing to their Business Improvement District
4. Establish a new “National Market Day” where budding shopkeepers can try their hand at operating a low-cost retail business
5. Make it easier for people to become market traders by removing unnecessary regulations so that anyone can trade on the high street unless there is a valid reason why not
6. Government should consider whether business rates can better support small businesses and independent retailers
7. Local authorities should use their new discretionary powers to give business rate concessions to new local businesses
8. Make business rates work for business by reviewing the use of the RPI with a view to changing the calculation to CPI
9. Local areas should implement free controlled parking schemes that work for their town centres and we should have a new parking league table
10. Town Teams should focus on making high streets accessible, attractive and safe
11. Government should include high street deregulation as part of their ongoing work on freeing up red tape
12. Address the restrictive aspects of the ‘Use Class’ system to make it easier to change the uses of key properties on the high street
13. Put betting shops into a separate ‘Use Class’ of their own
14. Make explicit a presumption in favour of town centre development in the wording of the National Planning Policy Framework
15. Introduce Secretary of State “exceptional sign off ” for all new out-of-town developments and require all large new developments to have an “affordable shops” quota
16. Large retailers should support and mentor local businesses and independent retailers
17. Retailers should report on their support of local high streets in their annual report
18. Encourage a contract of care between landlords and their commercial tenants by promoting the leasing code and supporting the use of lease structures other than upward only rent reviews, especially for small businesses
19. Explore further disincentives to prevent landlords from leaving units vacant
20. Banks who own empty property on the high street should either administer these assets well or be required to sell them
21. Local authorities should make more proactive use of Compulsory Purchase Order powers to encourage the redevelopment of key high street retail space
22. Empower local authorities to step in when landlords are negligent with new “Empty Shop Management Orders”
23. Introduce a public register of high street landlords
24. Run a high profile campaign to get people involved in Neighbourhood Plans
25. Promote the inclusion of the High Street in Neighbourhood Plans
26. Developers should make a financial contribution to ensure that the local community has a strong voice in the planning system
27. Support imaginative community use of empty properties through Community Right to Buy, Meanwhile Use and a new “Community Right to Try”
28. Run a number of High Street Pilots to test proof of concept
Well done Mary !
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Snippits
Heaven Help Us
On Armistice Day, 11th November, our vicar Father Richard (Seen mostly accompanied by the curate ‘Jimmy’ his Standard Poodle) was running late to conduct the Remembrance Service. In haste, and probably in error, Father Richard parked his car in Castle Street, returning just one hour and fifteen minutes later - to find it ticketed.
Apparently Father Richard’s appeal to the Council against the ticket fell on deaf ears.
It’s a little humbling to realise that our Civil Enforcement Officers endeavour to carry out their duties to the letter, whatever the event and irrespective of the circumstances.
Who was it who said the law can be an ass?
“Yes they were”, “No they weren’t”, “Yes they were!”
Another fruitful discussion held with council officers. Last Saturday there were two Civil Enforcemnt Officers (sorry it’s too boring – I’ll just call them traffic wardens, everyone else does!) in Hay. Yes there were!
Sorry, No there weren’t. Two traffic wardens were on rota to be on duty in south Powys, one in Hay and one in Brecon, so there can’t have been two in Hay!
Yes they were; and the tickets they issued prove it.
Are they on commission?
Overheard
Poor Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe doesn’t seem to be flavour of the month at the moment. Ever since the prospect of a new supermarket raised its ugly head in Hay – and became almost the sole topic of conversation in the town, Gareth Ratcliffe, as ward councillor for Hay-on-Wye has tried to follow a non-committal course trying as best he can to represent both pro and anti supermarket. Almost inevitably this has enamoured him to neither side and he has been the undeserved recipient of snide comments, disparaging asides and even vilification.
We know someone who is apparently pleased at this turn of events. One of our much admired Parking Wardens was overheard to say “At least he won’t be around after the elections in May”
All we know is that Councillor Ratcliffe has worked tirelessly for the community and has always been a strong supporter of our campaign.
On Armistice Day, 11th November, our vicar Father Richard (Seen mostly accompanied by the curate ‘Jimmy’ his Standard Poodle) was running late to conduct the Remembrance Service. In haste, and probably in error, Father Richard parked his car in Castle Street, returning just one hour and fifteen minutes later - to find it ticketed.
Apparently Father Richard’s appeal to the Council against the ticket fell on deaf ears.
It’s a little humbling to realise that our Civil Enforcement Officers endeavour to carry out their duties to the letter, whatever the event and irrespective of the circumstances.
Who was it who said the law can be an ass?
“Yes they were”, “No they weren’t”, “Yes they were!”
Another fruitful discussion held with council officers. Last Saturday there were two Civil Enforcemnt Officers (sorry it’s too boring – I’ll just call them traffic wardens, everyone else does!) in Hay. Yes there were!
Sorry, No there weren’t. Two traffic wardens were on rota to be on duty in south Powys, one in Hay and one in Brecon, so there can’t have been two in Hay!
Yes they were; and the tickets they issued prove it.
Are they on commission?
Overheard
Poor Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe doesn’t seem to be flavour of the month at the moment. Ever since the prospect of a new supermarket raised its ugly head in Hay – and became almost the sole topic of conversation in the town, Gareth Ratcliffe, as ward councillor for Hay-on-Wye has tried to follow a non-committal course trying as best he can to represent both pro and anti supermarket. Almost inevitably this has enamoured him to neither side and he has been the undeserved recipient of snide comments, disparaging asides and even vilification.
We know someone who is apparently pleased at this turn of events. One of our much admired Parking Wardens was overheard to say “At least he won’t be around after the elections in May”
All we know is that Councillor Ratcliffe has worked tirelessly for the community and has always been a strong supporter of our campaign.
It's really crap news from Powys County Council
Oh dear Councillor Geraint Hopkins and Council Officers Phil Jackson and Kevin Lloyd, you’ve broken your word!
Perhaps it was too good to be true but at our meeting at Powys County Council’s offices at Llandrindod Wells on Tuesday 11th October at which we presented CRAP’s ideas for a county wide approach to car parking and traffic management, Councillor Geraint Hopkins (Powys County Council Cabinet Member and Portfolio Holder Environment and Regulation, responsible for Traffic and Parking) together with Phil Jackson, (Powys Transportation and Development Control Manager) and Kevin Lloyd (Powys Car Parks Manager) promised “to respond to the campaign’s proposals in detail by the beginning of December.”
Unfortunately Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe, Hay-on-Wye’s local councillor and an enthusiastic supporter of the CRAP campaign, reports that he has been told that Councillor Hopkins and the officers will be unable to respond as promised in December – but “will do so in the New Year” !
We shall see – words are cheap and it is about time that councillors making promises should be held accountable when they break their word!
REMEMBER Council elections are getting closer. We should use our votes to elect candidates who are hard-working, reliable, honest and KEEP THEIR WORD
Perhaps it was too good to be true but at our meeting at Powys County Council’s offices at Llandrindod Wells on Tuesday 11th October at which we presented CRAP’s ideas for a county wide approach to car parking and traffic management, Councillor Geraint Hopkins (Powys County Council Cabinet Member and Portfolio Holder Environment and Regulation, responsible for Traffic and Parking) together with Phil Jackson, (Powys Transportation and Development Control Manager) and Kevin Lloyd (Powys Car Parks Manager) promised “to respond to the campaign’s proposals in detail by the beginning of December.”
Unfortunately Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe, Hay-on-Wye’s local councillor and an enthusiastic supporter of the CRAP campaign, reports that he has been told that Councillor Hopkins and the officers will be unable to respond as promised in December – but “will do so in the New Year” !
We shall see – words are cheap and it is about time that councillors making promises should be held accountable when they break their word!
REMEMBER Council elections are getting closer. We should use our votes to elect candidates who are hard-working, reliable, honest and KEEP THEIR WORD
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
What About The Rest of Wales?
Which Welsh Councils issue Residents’ Parking Permits and at what cost?
We thought it would be interesting to find out how many Welsh Councils have taken over Civil Parking Enforcement responsibilities from the police; which have provided designated Residents’ Parking Zones, how many issue Residents Parking Permits and at what costs?
It seems the results are very different throughout the country and although our survey is not complete, it does give some indication of the levels of enforcement and charges currently being levied.
We are very concerned that Powys County Council do not impose any exorbitant charges when (and if) they introduce Residents’ Parking Permits. Any charges must reflect the costs of the scheme’s administration but not charged at a rate which will be regarded as untoward and prohibitive by those affected. Councillors should remember that 2012 is an election year!
Discussions with officers responsible for parking in councils all over Wales have proved illuminating. Some authorities have gone to considerable lengths to produce carefully thought out schemes that cater for residents’ demands; others have muddled along or merely inherited historic rules.
It was interesting to note that in Blaenau Gwent, it was considered more important that Civil Enforcement Officers should be responsible for policing the ever present problem of dog fouling rather than car parking.
Communications between the various authorities and some commonality could be to the advantage of all!
In passing, it has been reported that free parking in council run Car Parks has been introduced by various councils in Wales for a variety of reasons, and some only in the lead up to Christmas. Most are convinced however that free car parking will give a “boost to businesses in town centres”. It is interesting to note that the opinion that the presence of and levels of car parking charges have a direct effect on people's shopping preferences, seems to be a 'taken'.
Well done Llanelli, Wrexham, Newport, Caerphilly and Gwynedd. A black mark against Carmarthen which is planning to introduce parking meters to the town centre, a plan bitterly opposed by local businesses.
Blaenau Gwent
Police remain responsible for Civil Parking Enforcement; Council Enforcement Officers responsible for controlling dog fouling.
Residents’ Parking Permits
1 Residents Parking Permit permitted per household
Cost £ nil
Bridgend County Borough Council
Council taking over CPE from Police, awaiting cabinet approval.
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents’ Parking Zones
Holders of Residents’ Parking Permits also permitted to park in some Pay and Display car parks. Residents’ Parking Permits limited to one per resident
Cost £ nil
Caerphilly County Borough Council,
Police responsible for Civil Parking Enforcement; Council now looking into taking over. “When rather than if”
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents’ Parking Zones
Currently
2 Residents Parking Permits per household
Cost £ nil
Proposed
2 Residents Parking Permits per household
Cost £30 p.a.
Cardiff County Council
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
Cost First Permit £5 p.a.
Second Permit £30 p.a.
Third Permit £45 p.a.
Fourth Permit (or more) £60 p.a.
Carmarthenshire County Council
Council responsible for CPE
Residents Parking Permits
Designated Residents’ Parking Zones
2 Residents Parking Permits permitted per household plus Visitors’ Parking Permit.
Cost £30 p.a.
Care Permit granted to Health Visitors etc.
Cost £ nil
Business Permit
Cost £50 p.a.
Ceredigion County Council
Police gave up responsibility for Civil parking Enforcement in May 2011and Council will be taking over in May 2012.
No Residents’ Parking Zones or Residents Parking Permits will be introduced for at least six months after CPE responsibilities are taken over.
Conwy County Borough Council
Council responsible for CPE., currently looking into expanding Residents’ Parking scheme.
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents’ Parking Zones
Residents’ Parking Permits holders are permitted to park in some limited waiting areas and some Pay and Display car parks.
2 Residents Parking Permits permitted per household
Cost First permit £ nil
Second Permit £50 p.a.
Denbighshire County Council
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
1 or 2 Residents Parking Permits permitted per household, depenent upon available parking spaces.
Cost £25 p.a.
Flintshire County Council
Council have not yet adopted CPE, envisaged take over “next Summer”.
No designated Residents’ Parking Zones
Gwynedd
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
Cost £50 p.a.
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Civil Parking Enforcement being taken over from police on Jan 12 2012
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
2 Residents Parking Permits or 1 Residents’ and 1 Visitors’ Permit permitted per household.
Cost. £34. p.a.
Monmouthshire County Council
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
1 Residents Parking Permit permitted per household
Cost £30 p.a.
Neath Port Talbot
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
2 Residents Parking Permit permitted per household
Cost £20 p.a.
Newport
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
2 Residents Parking Permits permitted per household
Cost £10 p.a.
Pembrokeshire County Council
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Over 50 designated Residents Parking Zones
Residents Parking Permits
Cost £35 p.a.
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Police responsible for Civil Parking Enforcement; Council taking over “on the horizon”.
Residents Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
Residents’ parking Permits limited to 1 per person
Cost £ nil
City and County of Swansea County Hall
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
2 Residents Parking Permits permitted per household
Cost £ nil
Vale of Glamorgan
Council responsible for CPE
Residents' Parking Permits
1 Residents Parking Permit permitted per person
Cost £ nil
Wrexham
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones planned, Policy “in situ”
Planned cost £60 p.a.
We thought it would be interesting to find out how many Welsh Councils have taken over Civil Parking Enforcement responsibilities from the police; which have provided designated Residents’ Parking Zones, how many issue Residents Parking Permits and at what costs?
It seems the results are very different throughout the country and although our survey is not complete, it does give some indication of the levels of enforcement and charges currently being levied.
We are very concerned that Powys County Council do not impose any exorbitant charges when (and if) they introduce Residents’ Parking Permits. Any charges must reflect the costs of the scheme’s administration but not charged at a rate which will be regarded as untoward and prohibitive by those affected. Councillors should remember that 2012 is an election year!
Discussions with officers responsible for parking in councils all over Wales have proved illuminating. Some authorities have gone to considerable lengths to produce carefully thought out schemes that cater for residents’ demands; others have muddled along or merely inherited historic rules.
It was interesting to note that in Blaenau Gwent, it was considered more important that Civil Enforcement Officers should be responsible for policing the ever present problem of dog fouling rather than car parking.
Communications between the various authorities and some commonality could be to the advantage of all!
In passing, it has been reported that free parking in council run Car Parks has been introduced by various councils in Wales for a variety of reasons, and some only in the lead up to Christmas. Most are convinced however that free car parking will give a “boost to businesses in town centres”. It is interesting to note that the opinion that the presence of and levels of car parking charges have a direct effect on people's shopping preferences, seems to be a 'taken'.
Well done Llanelli, Wrexham, Newport, Caerphilly and Gwynedd. A black mark against Carmarthen which is planning to introduce parking meters to the town centre, a plan bitterly opposed by local businesses.
Blaenau Gwent
Police remain responsible for Civil Parking Enforcement; Council Enforcement Officers responsible for controlling dog fouling.
Residents’ Parking Permits
1 Residents Parking Permit permitted per household
Cost £ nil
Bridgend County Borough Council
Council taking over CPE from Police, awaiting cabinet approval.
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents’ Parking Zones
Holders of Residents’ Parking Permits also permitted to park in some Pay and Display car parks. Residents’ Parking Permits limited to one per resident
Cost £ nil
Caerphilly County Borough Council,
Police responsible for Civil Parking Enforcement; Council now looking into taking over. “When rather than if”
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents’ Parking Zones
Currently
2 Residents Parking Permits per household
Cost £ nil
Proposed
2 Residents Parking Permits per household
Cost £30 p.a.
Cardiff County Council
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
Cost First Permit £5 p.a.
Second Permit £30 p.a.
Third Permit £45 p.a.
Fourth Permit (or more) £60 p.a.
Carmarthenshire County Council
Council responsible for CPE
Residents Parking Permits
Designated Residents’ Parking Zones
2 Residents Parking Permits permitted per household plus Visitors’ Parking Permit.
Cost £30 p.a.
Care Permit granted to Health Visitors etc.
Cost £ nil
Business Permit
Cost £50 p.a.
Ceredigion County Council
Police gave up responsibility for Civil parking Enforcement in May 2011and Council will be taking over in May 2012.
No Residents’ Parking Zones or Residents Parking Permits will be introduced for at least six months after CPE responsibilities are taken over.
Conwy County Borough Council
Council responsible for CPE., currently looking into expanding Residents’ Parking scheme.
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents’ Parking Zones
Residents’ Parking Permits holders are permitted to park in some limited waiting areas and some Pay and Display car parks.
2 Residents Parking Permits permitted per household
Cost First permit £ nil
Second Permit £50 p.a.
Denbighshire County Council
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
1 or 2 Residents Parking Permits permitted per household, depenent upon available parking spaces.
Cost £25 p.a.
Flintshire County Council
Council have not yet adopted CPE, envisaged take over “next Summer”.
No designated Residents’ Parking Zones
Gwynedd
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
Cost £50 p.a.
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Civil Parking Enforcement being taken over from police on Jan 12 2012
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
2 Residents Parking Permits or 1 Residents’ and 1 Visitors’ Permit permitted per household.
Cost. £34. p.a.
Monmouthshire County Council
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
1 Residents Parking Permit permitted per household
Cost £30 p.a.
Neath Port Talbot
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
2 Residents Parking Permit permitted per household
Cost £20 p.a.
Newport
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
2 Residents Parking Permits permitted per household
Cost £10 p.a.
Pembrokeshire County Council
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Over 50 designated Residents Parking Zones
Residents Parking Permits
Cost £35 p.a.
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Police responsible for Civil Parking Enforcement; Council taking over “on the horizon”.
Residents Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
Residents’ parking Permits limited to 1 per person
Cost £ nil
City and County of Swansea County Hall
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
2 Residents Parking Permits permitted per household
Cost £ nil
Vale of Glamorgan
Council responsible for CPE
Residents' Parking Permits
1 Residents Parking Permit permitted per person
Cost £ nil
Wrexham
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones planned, Policy “in situ”
Planned cost £60 p.a.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Answers to Cllr. Ratcliffe's Questions
Revealing Answers to Cllr Ratcliffe's Questions
Following the questions asked by Cllr. Gareth Ratcliffe of Powys County Council, Cllr. G G Hopkins, Portfolio holder for Environment and Regulation, has provided the following response.
For interest, percentages have been added.
These are results after only six months of Powys being responsible for Civil Parking Enforcement and from the total monies received, it must be presumed that costs to date, including wages for nine CEOs, their vehicles, travel and expenses, plus of course administration, supervision etc. etc., have not been covered by income!
Does this mean that extra income must be found through increasing enforcement and more tickets being issued, or would a more rational approach be to cut costs? Perhaps the best approach might be to cut the greatest cost – the wages and associated costs of the nine Civil Enforcement Officers?
1. The number of tickets (Penalty Charge Notices PCN's) issued - 2962
2. The number of off-street tickets (PCNs) issued - 979 (33%)
3. The number of on-street tickets (PCNs) issued - 1983 (67%)
4. The number of tickets paid within 14 days.
(i.e. PCN's paid within discount period) - 2075 (70%)
5. The number of appeals (received) - 555 (19%)
6. The number of successful appeals - 180 (32% of appeals to date)
The appeal process takes time, it will be interesting to see the number and percentage of appeals that are registered (and subsequently succeed) over a longer period.
7. How much income has this generated for the council - £70,969.66
Draw your own conclusions!
Following the questions asked by Cllr. Gareth Ratcliffe of Powys County Council, Cllr. G G Hopkins, Portfolio holder for Environment and Regulation, has provided the following response.
For interest, percentages have been added.
These are results after only six months of Powys being responsible for Civil Parking Enforcement and from the total monies received, it must be presumed that costs to date, including wages for nine CEOs, their vehicles, travel and expenses, plus of course administration, supervision etc. etc., have not been covered by income!
Does this mean that extra income must be found through increasing enforcement and more tickets being issued, or would a more rational approach be to cut costs? Perhaps the best approach might be to cut the greatest cost – the wages and associated costs of the nine Civil Enforcement Officers?
1. The number of tickets (Penalty Charge Notices PCN's) issued - 2962
2. The number of off-street tickets (PCNs) issued - 979 (33%)
3. The number of on-street tickets (PCNs) issued - 1983 (67%)
4. The number of tickets paid within 14 days.
(i.e. PCN's paid within discount period) - 2075 (70%)
5. The number of appeals (received) - 555 (19%)
6. The number of successful appeals - 180 (32% of appeals to date)
The appeal process takes time, it will be interesting to see the number and percentage of appeals that are registered (and subsequently succeed) over a longer period.
7. How much income has this generated for the council - £70,969.66
Draw your own conclusions!
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Questions to the Council
6 months since Powys took over CPE from the Police
On 6th October, almost six months to the day since Powys County Council took over responsibility for Civil Parking Enforcement from Dyfed-powys Police, Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe forwarded the following question to Powys County Council Cabinet Business Manager Stepehen Boyd for the attention of the Member for Highways.
It has now been over six months since the council took over Civil Parking Enforcement. Can the Cabinet Member report back on progress and the following:
1. The number of tickets (Penalty Charge Notices) issued
2. The number of off-street tickets (PCNs) issued
3. The number of on-street tickets (PCNs) issued
4. The number of tickets (PCNs) paid within 14 days
5. The number of appeals
6. The number of successful appealers
7. How much income has this generated for the council
Cllr. Gareth Ratcliffe
Hay-on-Wye Ward
Hopefull this will give us some idea of the financial effectiveness of Civil Parking Enforcement and how many of PCNs issued are subject to appeal. As yet, it will difficult to ascertain the percentage of successful appeals against the number issues, but this figure must be known in order to get some idea of the income generated against the effort of issuing them. Only time will tell!
On 6th October, almost six months to the day since Powys County Council took over responsibility for Civil Parking Enforcement from Dyfed-powys Police, Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe forwarded the following question to Powys County Council Cabinet Business Manager Stepehen Boyd for the attention of the Member for Highways.
It has now been over six months since the council took over Civil Parking Enforcement. Can the Cabinet Member report back on progress and the following:
1. The number of tickets (Penalty Charge Notices) issued
2. The number of off-street tickets (PCNs) issued
3. The number of on-street tickets (PCNs) issued
4. The number of tickets (PCNs) paid within 14 days
5. The number of appeals
6. The number of successful appealers
7. How much income has this generated for the council
Cllr. Gareth Ratcliffe
Hay-on-Wye Ward
Hopefull this will give us some idea of the financial effectiveness of Civil Parking Enforcement and how many of PCNs issued are subject to appeal. As yet, it will difficult to ascertain the percentage of successful appeals against the number issues, but this figure must be known in order to get some idea of the income generated against the effort of issuing them. Only time will tell!
Saturday, 15 October 2011
Money made from Car parks in Powys
Parking Bays in Powys and 2010 – 2011 Income
Brecknockshire
TOTALS 21 Car Parks – 1,794 Parking Bays – Total Income £508,821
(£283.62 per Parking Bay)
Builth Wells population 2,352
The Groe 99 bays £42,500
Smithfield 193 bays £6,750
TOTAL 292 bays £49,250
1 bay per 8.05 people
Income £168.66 per bay £20.94 per head of population
Brecon population 7,901
Alexandra Road 23 bays £4,950
Canal Road 50 bays £9,975
Dinas Road 26 bays £10,560
(short stay) George Street 195 bays £101,243
Kensington 33 bays £15,424
Lorry/Coach Park 16 bays £3,986
Promenade 72 bays £11,350
Market Street 27 bays £11,233
New County Hall 75 bays £8,650
Scout Lane 17 bays £5,300
Theatre 70 bays £10,890
The Watton 250 bays £45,340
(short stay) Viaduct 35 bays £23,100
TOTAL 889 bays £262,001
1 bay per 8.89 people
Income £294.71 per bay £33.16 per head of population
Crickhowell population 1,503
Beaufort Street 115 bays £43,670
TOTAL 115 bays £43,670
1 bay per 13.07 people
Income £379.74 per bay £29.06 per head of population
Hay-on-Wye population 1,467
Oxford Road 358 bays £127,486
(short stayMarket Square 40 bays £12,435
TOTAL 398 bays £139,921
1 bay per 3.69 people
Income £351.56 per bay £95.38 per head of population
Ystradgynlais population 9,004
Heol Maesydre 73 bays £7,750
Heol Eglwys 27 bays £6,250
TOTAL 100 bays £14,000
1 bay per 90.04 people
Income £140.00 per bay £1.55 per head of population
Montgomeryshire
TOTALS 9 Car Parks – 2,075 Parking Bays – Total Gross Income £521,205
(£251.18 per Parking Bay)
Llanidloes population 2,796
Mount Street 45 bays £9,450
TOTAL £9,450
1 bay per 62.13 people
Income £210.00 per bay £3.38 per head of population
Machynlleth population 2,147
Bro Dyfi 45 bays
Maengwyn 298 bays £52,435
TOTAL 343 bays £52,435
1 bay per 6.26 people
Income £152.87 per bay £24.42 per head of population
Newtown population 12,783
Back Lane 477 bays £135,450
Gravel 275 bays £66,340
(short stay) Ladywell 53 bays £40,150
TOTAL 805 bays £241,940
1 bay per 15.88 people
Income £300.55 per bay £18.93 per head of population
Welshpool population 6,269
Berriew Street 535 bays £89,300
Church Street 307 bays £92,100
(short stay) Severn Stars 40 bays £35,980
TOTAL 882 bays £217,380
1 bay per 7.11 people
Income £246.46 per bay £34.68 per head of population
Radnorshire
TOTALS 8 Car Parks – 584 Parking Bays – Total Gross Income £96,249
(£164.81 per Parking Bay)
Knighton population 1,489
Bowling Green Lane 175 bays £9,660
(short stay) Norton Arms 46 bays £15,230
TOTAL 221 bays £24,890
1 bay per 6.74 people
Income £112.62 per bay £16.72 per head of population
Llandrindod Wells population 5,024
High Street 118 bays £22,189
(short stay) Middleton Street 45 bays £14,375
Town Hall* £3,250
TOTAL 163 bays £39,814
1 bay per 30.82 people
Income £224.32 per bay £7.92 per head of population
Presteigne population 2,463
Hereford Street 38 bays £6,505
High Street 55 bays £6,450
TOTAL 93 bays £12,955
1 bay per 30.82 people
Income £139.30 per bay £5.26 per head of population
Rhayader population 2,075
Dark Lane 59 bays £18,650
TOTAL 59 bays £18,650
1 bay per 35.17 people
Income £316.10 per bay £8.99 per head of population
* Landrindod Wells Town Hall Car Park. No record of parking bays available.
NOTES
The above statistics are provided for interest only and one should be wary of drawing any particular conclusions from the results. Town Car Parks are used by residents and perhaps more importantly, by people visiting the town, whether for shopping or tourism.
High use of (and resulting income derived from) car parks may be due to any of a number of factors including:
Lack of alternative free off and/or on-street parking for both residents and visitors. Regular livestock market or other town centre activity.
Tourist and visitor traffic.
Successful town centre shopping/leisure attractions.
Poor local public transport resulting in increased private car usage.
The income figures were taken from Powys County Council records. Population figures were taken from several sources and may not be entirely accurate.
Powys County Council own (or are responsible for) an additional six (6) car parks controlled my nil-charging parking orders and an additional 30 car parks with no parking orders on them where no charges are made.
Car Park Charges
Car Parking Charges (where applicable) for both long and short term Car Parks are standardised across the county. (with listed exceptions)
Up to 1 hr. Up to 2 hrs. Up to 4 hrs. Over 4 hrs Overnight
Motor Cars £0.50 £1.00 £2.00 £2.50 nil
Vehicle & Trailer £1.50 £1.50 £3.00 £3.00 nil
Vehicles up to 3t £1.70 £2.30 £3.20 £3.20 nil
Vehicles over 3t £1.90 £2.70 £3.50 £4.20 nil
Llandrindod Wells Town Hall Car Park
Up to 1 hr. Up to 2 hrs.
Motor Cars £0.20 £0.50
Brecon Theatr Brycheinog
Up to 4 hrs. Over 4 hrs
£0.50 £1.00
Overnight & extended period Parking
Notices in Powys Car Parks do not mention any option of parking overnight or for extended periods. Parking is however permitted for periods longer than 24 hours by purchasing tickets to the value of the proposed stay in multiples of the Over 4 hour charge for each day of the proposed stay. The purchased tickets must be displayed in the vehicle in the normal manner such that purchase date and monies paid can be inspected by Civil Enforcement Officers and other authorised persons. Tourist Offices are able to advise visitors of this unpublicised facilty.
Brecknockshire
TOTALS 21 Car Parks – 1,794 Parking Bays – Total Income £508,821
(£283.62 per Parking Bay)
Builth Wells population 2,352
The Groe 99 bays £42,500
Smithfield 193 bays £6,750
TOTAL 292 bays £49,250
1 bay per 8.05 people
Income £168.66 per bay £20.94 per head of population
Brecon population 7,901
Alexandra Road 23 bays £4,950
Canal Road 50 bays £9,975
Dinas Road 26 bays £10,560
(short stay) George Street 195 bays £101,243
Kensington 33 bays £15,424
Lorry/Coach Park 16 bays £3,986
Promenade 72 bays £11,350
Market Street 27 bays £11,233
New County Hall 75 bays £8,650
Scout Lane 17 bays £5,300
Theatre 70 bays £10,890
The Watton 250 bays £45,340
(short stay) Viaduct 35 bays £23,100
TOTAL 889 bays £262,001
1 bay per 8.89 people
Income £294.71 per bay £33.16 per head of population
Crickhowell population 1,503
Beaufort Street 115 bays £43,670
TOTAL 115 bays £43,670
1 bay per 13.07 people
Income £379.74 per bay £29.06 per head of population
Hay-on-Wye population 1,467
Oxford Road 358 bays £127,486
(short stayMarket Square 40 bays £12,435
TOTAL 398 bays £139,921
1 bay per 3.69 people
Income £351.56 per bay £95.38 per head of population
Ystradgynlais population 9,004
Heol Maesydre 73 bays £7,750
Heol Eglwys 27 bays £6,250
TOTAL 100 bays £14,000
1 bay per 90.04 people
Income £140.00 per bay £1.55 per head of population
Montgomeryshire
TOTALS 9 Car Parks – 2,075 Parking Bays – Total Gross Income £521,205
(£251.18 per Parking Bay)
Llanidloes population 2,796
Mount Street 45 bays £9,450
TOTAL £9,450
1 bay per 62.13 people
Income £210.00 per bay £3.38 per head of population
Machynlleth population 2,147
Bro Dyfi 45 bays
Maengwyn 298 bays £52,435
TOTAL 343 bays £52,435
1 bay per 6.26 people
Income £152.87 per bay £24.42 per head of population
Newtown population 12,783
Back Lane 477 bays £135,450
Gravel 275 bays £66,340
(short stay) Ladywell 53 bays £40,150
TOTAL 805 bays £241,940
1 bay per 15.88 people
Income £300.55 per bay £18.93 per head of population
Welshpool population 6,269
Berriew Street 535 bays £89,300
Church Street 307 bays £92,100
(short stay) Severn Stars 40 bays £35,980
TOTAL 882 bays £217,380
1 bay per 7.11 people
Income £246.46 per bay £34.68 per head of population
Radnorshire
TOTALS 8 Car Parks – 584 Parking Bays – Total Gross Income £96,249
(£164.81 per Parking Bay)
Knighton population 1,489
Bowling Green Lane 175 bays £9,660
(short stay) Norton Arms 46 bays £15,230
TOTAL 221 bays £24,890
1 bay per 6.74 people
Income £112.62 per bay £16.72 per head of population
Llandrindod Wells population 5,024
High Street 118 bays £22,189
(short stay) Middleton Street 45 bays £14,375
Town Hall* £3,250
TOTAL 163 bays £39,814
1 bay per 30.82 people
Income £224.32 per bay £7.92 per head of population
Presteigne population 2,463
Hereford Street 38 bays £6,505
High Street 55 bays £6,450
TOTAL 93 bays £12,955
1 bay per 30.82 people
Income £139.30 per bay £5.26 per head of population
Rhayader population 2,075
Dark Lane 59 bays £18,650
TOTAL 59 bays £18,650
1 bay per 35.17 people
Income £316.10 per bay £8.99 per head of population
* Landrindod Wells Town Hall Car Park. No record of parking bays available.
NOTES
The above statistics are provided for interest only and one should be wary of drawing any particular conclusions from the results. Town Car Parks are used by residents and perhaps more importantly, by people visiting the town, whether for shopping or tourism.
High use of (and resulting income derived from) car parks may be due to any of a number of factors including:
Lack of alternative free off and/or on-street parking for both residents and visitors. Regular livestock market or other town centre activity.
Tourist and visitor traffic.
Successful town centre shopping/leisure attractions.
Poor local public transport resulting in increased private car usage.
The income figures were taken from Powys County Council records. Population figures were taken from several sources and may not be entirely accurate.
Powys County Council own (or are responsible for) an additional six (6) car parks controlled my nil-charging parking orders and an additional 30 car parks with no parking orders on them where no charges are made.
Car Park Charges
Car Parking Charges (where applicable) for both long and short term Car Parks are standardised across the county. (with listed exceptions)
Up to 1 hr. Up to 2 hrs. Up to 4 hrs. Over 4 hrs Overnight
Motor Cars £0.50 £1.00 £2.00 £2.50 nil
Vehicle & Trailer £1.50 £1.50 £3.00 £3.00 nil
Vehicles up to 3t £1.70 £2.30 £3.20 £3.20 nil
Vehicles over 3t £1.90 £2.70 £3.50 £4.20 nil
Llandrindod Wells Town Hall Car Park
Up to 1 hr. Up to 2 hrs.
Motor Cars £0.20 £0.50
Brecon Theatr Brycheinog
Up to 4 hrs. Over 4 hrs
£0.50 £1.00
Overnight & extended period Parking
Notices in Powys Car Parks do not mention any option of parking overnight or for extended periods. Parking is however permitted for periods longer than 24 hours by purchasing tickets to the value of the proposed stay in multiples of the Over 4 hour charge for each day of the proposed stay. The purchased tickets must be displayed in the vehicle in the normal manner such that purchase date and monies paid can be inspected by Civil Enforcement Officers and other authorised persons. Tourist Offices are able to advise visitors of this unpublicised facilty.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)