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The preparation and implementation of a parking strategy for Cheshire is a critical element in the broader transport strategy. The parking issues which need to be addressed are:
- economic vitality and competition between towns and other commercial centres;
- the provision and operation of public car parks;
- the application of parking standards to new developments; and
- the management of on-street parking.
Economic Vitality
The linkages between car parking and economic vitality and competition need to be addressed at a regional level. The Government Office for the North West (GONW) has commissioned work on off-street parking standards. The recommendations include suggested maximum parking standards in line with PPG13. The County Council is concerned that the introduction of maximum standards may be counter-productive and inhibit our ability to require measures which provide alternatives to the car to be implemented alongside development proposals.
Public Car Parking
The availability and cost of parking are important influences on the number of journeys made and the means used to make them. Parking management will play an increasingly important role in limiting car travel in urban areas. Responsibility for the management and control of off-street public parking lies with the District Councils. In almost all of the larger town centres in Cheshire priority is given to short-stay parking; parking charges are levied by four of the six District Councils (the exceptions are Congleton and Vale Royal).
The County Council regards Park and Ride, in appropriate circumstances, as making an important contribution to reducing overall passenger car journey lengths. The development of Park and Ride facilities has proved effective in Chester and at railway stations in the County. The County Council will continue to work with the District Councils to ensure adequate parking for cycles and motorcycles, and that the special needs of disabled people are met.
Parking Standards
The Government has published a revised version of PPG13 (Transport). The County Council has expressed concerns on the proposals for parking. In particular, the removal of the principle of 'minimum standards' (which may lead to safety and environmental problems) and appropriate linkages to commuted sum payments. The principle of commuted sums and the finance derived from them have supported the proper management of parking and integrated transport improvements - and this could continue with consequential benefits. The need for maximum parking standards is fully accepted, subject to the need for flexibility to cater for local circumstances. With particular respect to PPG13's recommendations on Park and Ride sites, the Council has noted that such proposals may be appropriate development in the Green Belt, or may provide benefits justifying Green Belt locations. The Council will take account of the evolving guidance expressed within PPG6 (Housing) and PPG13.
Parking standards are an essential part of the County Council's approach to demand management. They are also used to ensure essential operational and disabled persons parking. The Council is also adopting a positive approach to the development of Travel Plans, both for new and existing developments. Where travel plans are agreed to provide for alternatives to the car, developers are required to contribute to suitable facilities. The County Council will consider, on their merits, proposals for car-free developments.
Local Plan policies require the provision of secure cycle parking, ideally under cover, in all non-residential development to encourage cycling.
Civil Parking Enforcement
The 2004 Traffic Management Act permits highway authorities to apply to the Secretary of State to become a Civil Enforcement Area (CEA). Once a CEA application is approved, the power to enforce parking, loading and waiting restrictions passes from the Police to the Local Authority.
Cheshire County Council took over responsibility for enforcing parking, loading and waiting restrictions from Cheshire Police on the 21 January 2008 in Crewe/Nantwich, on the 14 May 2008 in Macclesfield and on the 8 January 2009 in Chester/Ellesmere Port & Neston. The Borough/City Councils undertake enforcement as agents to the County Council using their own Civil Enforcement Officers to enforce on-street parking as well as in their car parks.
From these dates, illegal parking on the street is no longer classed as criminal offences and has become civil contraventions. The Civil Enforcement Officers will issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to any vehicle parking illegally.
For further detailed information about Civil Parking Enforcement in your area please use the links below:
Chester - Chester City Council Telephone: 01244 402633
Crewe and Nantwich - Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council Telephone: 01270 505334
Ellesmere Port and Neston - Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council Telephone: 0151 356 6789
Macclesfield - Macclesfield Borough Council Telephone: 01625 504706
Conclusions
Parking control is complex, but can be a powerful instrument in transport policy. It needs to reflect the economic conditions of the local area but within a broad framework which applies a consistent and sustainable approach across the region, indeed the nation. This cannot be achieved until a regional strategy is in place, which conforms with a national approach, but the individual elements of Cheshire's strategy are consistent with Government objectives.
The County Council will, with District Councils:
- continue to recognise the importance of car park management;
- introduce decriminalised car parking; and
- review charging and management schemes for the main towns.
For further information please contact John Gray 01244 973572. |