Agenda item

David Salenius, Housing and Adult Social Services was present for discussion of this matter.

During consideration of the report the following main points were made –

·         The consultation report would also be considered by the Disability Forum in September

·         It was noted that most other boroughs did not have reserved spaces on estates

·         25% of spaces available were not let at present and there was a need to look at how to maximise usage and make it easier for residents to use them

·         Whilst residents could still go to the Area Housing Office it was hoped that by developing an interactive GIS system this would reduce the number of people going to the Area Housing office .There was a need to make the website more accessible in order and to ensure that advertising space for non residents was provided. David Salenius stated that he would include this in the review

·         Investigations were taking place as to the actual number of vacancies on each estate but the vast majority were known to be in the north of the borough and that this information would be used to advertise spaces when required

·         It was stated that there were also a considerable number of empty garages and this was being looked with a view to addressing the situation once the issue with estate parking prices had been resolved

·         With regard to waiting lists and the current waiting list system being replaced by a simpler and faster auto alert system Members were of the view that this was a good idea and officers were confident that the system would be suitable

·         In relation to estate parking prices at present these were based on vehicle emissions. Discussion took place as to whether charges should be based on emissions and that prices should be increase for non residents to make it more competitive with private car parks in the borough.

The Committee were advised that prices were cheap, compared to private parking space rental, which could be up to £25 per day, compared to around £3-£9 a week for non residents and that this may prove to be a good option

·         The Committee also considered that increasing that a similar pricing system should be introduced as that used for street parking based on vehicle emissions and whether charges could be reduced for residents if charges for non residents were increased. In response to a question it was stated that details of current street parking prices be circulated to Councillor Fletcher

·         With regard to the application process it was stated that they considered that option 2 was the most favourable to make the application process more cost efficient including a minimum period of one month in advance

·         In relation to a question as to whether a paperless permit system would affect action being taken regarding regarding vehicles owned by tenants causing ASB it was stated that action being taken with regard to ASB would normally be dealt with by the ASB team and not having a physical permit in the car would not affect this. The view was expressed that provided paper permits could still be made available if required they were in favour of a paperless system

·         In relation to visitor bays it was stated that parity with street  parking, as in option 2, and it was confimed that  there was a breakdown of where visitors bays are located. The Committee were of the view that  that if a similar system could be used for street parking where visitors can be given spaces for a particular time. It was noted that visitors spaces often created a lot of complaints

·         The Chair made reference to delivery firms who went on estates and the possibility of charging for use of parking on estates and it was stated that this would be looked at

·         Discussion took place in relation to the proposals regarding numbered bays and it was stated that nearly all other London Authorities did not have numbered bays. Islington had had this practice however for many years and in previous consultation this system had been supported by residents. Members expressed the view that consideration should be given to instituting a Roama system, as used in street parking, where residents were given a 2.5 hour period where they could park anywhere. Members expressed the view that if there were were proposals to remove numbered bays, there need to be full consultation with residents

·         Councillor O’Halloran referred to the problems of misuse of parking spaces by motorbikes on St Lukes estate and that this was not being dealt with and that this should be looked at

RESOLVED:

(a)  That the comments of the Committee be noted for the consultation process

(b)  That the Director of Housing and Adult Social Services forward Councillor Fletcher details of current street parking prices in the borough

(c)  That the possibility of charging for delivery firms going onto estates be investigated

(d)  That consideration be given to using a Roama system, as used on street parking, whereby residents on estates could be given a 2.5 hour period where they could park anywhere

(e)  That the Director of Housing and Adult Social Services be requested to investigate the problem with the misuse of parking spaces by motorbikes on St.Lukes estate