NEATH PORT TALBOT COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

Streetscene & Engineering Cabinet Board

20th September 2019

Report of the Head of Engineering & Transport

David W. Griffiths

Matter for Decision

Wards Affected: Neath North, Port Talbot & Pontardawe

Christmas Parking 2019

Purpose of the Report:

To seek Members’ approval for the Christmas parking arrangements for 2019 in the Authority’s town centres Pay & Display car parks (excluding The Gnoll, Afan Forest Park and Aberavon Seafront car parks).

Executive Summary:

The report sets out proposals to consider free Christmas car parking over the festive season.

Background:

It was agreed last year that the Council offer free car parking in all the Authority’s Pay & Display car parks from Saturday 15th December 2018 to Tuesday 1st January 2019 inclusive.

It is proposed this year the Council offers free car parking from Saturday 14th December 2019 to Wednesday 1st January 2020.

Financial Impacts:

Free Christmas parking is estimated to cost circa £40,000 for the town centres’ car parks this year, based upon the current tariff structure which has to be absorbed by the consolidated Parking Management Account.

Integrated Impact Assessment:

A first stage Impact Assessment has been undertaken to assist the Council in discharging its legislative duties (under the Equality Act 2010, the Welsh Language Standards (No.1) Regulations 2015, the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Environment (Wales) Act 2016.

The first stage assessment, attached at Appendix A, has indicated that a more in-depth assessment is not required. A summary is included below:-

There is no reason for a full integrated impact assessment as the free car parking initiative will benefit all car park users.

Valleys Communities Impacts:

No implications.

Workforce Impacts:

No implications.

Legal Impacts:

No implications.

Risk Management Impacts:

Any potential loss of income would need to be absorbed by the Parking Account.

Consultation:

There is no requirement for consultation on this item. Signage will be placed on-site informing members of the public.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:-

Free Christmas parking is agreed in Neath, Port Talbot and Pontardawe Pay & Display car parks from Saturday 14th December 2019 to Wednesday 1st January 2020 inclusive (excluding The Gnoll, Afan Forest Country Park and Aberavon Seafront car parks).

Reasons for Proposed Decision:

Free parking over the festive period is likely to attract Christmas shoppers to our town centres supporting local businesses.

Implementation of Decision:

The decision is proposed for implementation after the three day call in period.

Appendices:

Appendix A - First Stage IIA

List of Background Papers:

None

Officer Contact:

Steve Cook, Parking Manager

Tel. No: 01639 763968

Email: environment@npt.gov.uk

Appendix A