Agenda and minutes

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:

Cabinet Board Proposals

1.1       Parking Review 2018

The Committee received information in relation to a variety of initiatives in relation to the Authority’s parking services as contained within the circulated report.

Members expressed concern regarding ‘Virtual Permits’ whereby the need for paper permits will be eliminated and what this would mean for members of the public who are not IT literate and it was confirmed that the services would still be offered i.e assistance with registering for a permit.

Members were informed that fees and charges are considered on an annual basis.

The Committee noted with concern that the translation into Welsh would be prohibitive and were concerned at the implications of this particularly in line with the new Welsh Language Standards being implemented by Welsh Government. It was explained that while the NPT landing pages on the Council’s website would be bilingual, ongoing discussion are being held with the third party company on the costs and options in relation to translation.

Officers agreed to raise this particular issue with the Welsh Language commissioner for consideration.

Members asked for detail in relation to Welsh Government’s involvement and were informed that there is no universal regime such as integrated tickets or universal metering but that the Parking Services Regional Group are taking this forward.

It was noted that the proposed tariffs remain cheaper than in other Local Authorities.

Members asked if any consideration had been given to extending the opening hours of the Neath Multi Storey Car Park when there were particular events on. It was explained that this has been debated at length however the cost per hour to extend the opening would be prohibitive. Particularly as other measures to encourage the night time economy were provided such as regulation orders in the pedestrian areas being changed after 6pm to allow for parking.

Officers noted that the Car Park is opened for specific occasions, i.e. Neath Fair, Fireworks and special events.

The Committee welcomed the Mobile CCTV Enforcement and noted that it is a police matter if vehicles are obstructing the highway. It was noted that enforcement can be done on signed and lined bus stops but there is more difficulty if bus bays are not marked. Members noted that there is a planned review to identify and refresh lines and signs and to identify problematic locations to be addressed.

Members asked for further information in relation to parity between all areas on parking charges. It was explained that the charges at the beachfront aim to maximise visitors and income and all reasonable considerations have been taken into account and that a balanced and an incremental approach be taken.

It was noted that the Local Members fully support the proposals.

Following scrutiny, the Committee were supportive of the proposals to be considered at Cabinet Board.