New parking charges and resident parking schemes are to be discussed by Thanet council Cabinet members next Thursday (April 27).
A report to members suggests free car parks and on-street parking areas could be changed to pay and display.
The report says: “Additional income generated from these schemes could be used to invest into further parking schemes, help maintain our current parking stock and give investment to use existing and new technology for our current parking provision.”
It adds: “There are currently 5 off street car parking areas that are free of charge. By changing these areas to pay and display with an hourly charge in line with other areas additional revenue would be generated.
“Charging also helps with better turnover of vehicles and marked parking bays helps to deal with inconsiderate parking. Any revenue received would help with the running and maintenance costs of these areas.
“There are a number of on street parking areas around the district that could benefit by having a resident’s parking scheme, pay and display or both. Some of these areas are currently time limited bays. Enforcement of these time limited bays is drawn out as officers need to return to check vehicles, which is not the most effective use of their time.
“ Charging for these bays will give a better turnover of vehicles and gives availability of spaces which will help support businesses and make it easier for residents to park. It also helps with inconsiderate parking and gives local residents parking.
“Paid or residents parking is a more effective use of enforcement officers time as they simply need to check for a valid ticket/permit. Charging at some on street locations will help encourage drivers to park within the off- street car parks as they allow longer parking sessions then on street. “
It is proposed to bring in the changes in three phases with the first phase expected to be implemented in June and phase 2 and 3 being implemented over the next 12 to 18 months
The proposals will bring in additional annual revenue to Thanet council of £90k and the proposed future phases for on street schemes could bring in additional annual revenue of approximately £300k per year. The aim is to plug the gap left by cuts to council grants from central government.
Gavin Waite, Director of Operational Services, said: “Balancing the budget is a key council priority and, as part of this, we have been reviewing how we can be more efficient at generating income, and not simply cut services to residents. There has been an extensive review of parking provision and demands across the district with members making the difficult decision to increase parking charges and now to explore introducing pay and display and new resident parking schemes.
“The proposed areas have been selected based on feedback from residents and business about heavily parked areas and traffic flows. Introducing these schemes would ensure a higher turnover of vehicles to ease parking problems and encourage road users to use off-street car parks that would benefit many of the people who live and work in Thanet.”
If Cabinet approves the recommendations, residents and businesses will have 28 days in which to make comment on the schemes and express their views.
| Location | Roads/Location Included | Maximum Day Rate | Hours of Operation | Hourly charge |
Phase 1
Barnes Car Park, Westbrook Car Park on Seafront
£1.50
7am – 10pm
30p
Hartsdown Sports Centre, Margate
Hartsdown Sport Centre Car Parks
£3.20
7am – 10pm
60p
High Street, Minster
Car Park in Minster High Street
£2.50
7am – 10pm
50p
Monkton Road, Minster
Car Park in Monkton Road
£2.50
7am – 10pm
50p
Winter Gardens, Margate
Parking at the rear of the Winter Gardens
£2.50
7am – 10pm
50p
Joss Bay, Broadstairs
Elmwood Avenue, Broadstairs. Seasonal only charges.
9am – 6pm
£2.00
Westbrook, Margate
Canterbury Road, Royal Crescent, Buenos Ayres, Station Road, Albert Road, Crescent Road, Garfield Road, Hatfeild Road, Seaview Terrace, Westbrook Road and Westbrook Cottages..
8am – 6pm
Residents Parking with some pay and display as per that years agreed fees and charges
Phase 2
Westgate Central, Westgate
St Mildreds Road, Station Road and Cuthbert Road, Westgate
8am – 6pm
Residents Parking with some pay and display as per that years agreed fees and charges
Birchington East
Station Approach, Eastfield Road and Paddock Road
8am – 6pm
Extension of the existing Residents Parking with some additional pay and display as per that years agreed fees and charges
Margate Old Town, Margate
The Parade, New Street, Fort Road, Broad Street, Lombard Street and New Cross Street, Margate
8am – 6pm
Residents Parking with some pay and display as per that years agreed fees and charges
Broadstairs Victoria
Victoria Parade, Queens Gardens and West Cliff Avenue, Broadstairs
8am – 6pm
Extension of the existing Residents Parking with some additional pay and display as per that years agreed fees and charges
Phase 3
Ramsgate Harbour, Ramsgate
Cliff Street, Rose Hill, Sion Hill, Prospect Terrace, Nelson Crescent and Paragon, Ramsgate
8am – 6pm
Residents Parking with some pay and display as per that years agreed fees and charges
Ramsgate Eastcliff, Ramsgate
Wellington Crescent, Ramsgate
8am – 6pm
Residents Parking with pay and display as per that years agreed fees and charges
Minnis Bay, Birchington
The Parade, Birchington. Seasonal only charges.
9am – 6pm
£2.00
Botany Bay, Broadstairs
Car Park and possible extension and upgraded of parking on Marine Drive. Seasonal only charges.
7am – 10pm
On Street and Off Street pay and display as per that years agreed fees and charges
Leopold Street multi-storey, Mill Lane multi-storey, Harold Road car park and Vere Road car park will remain free on Saturdays. The Mill Lane multi-storey car park in Margate has extended its opening hours to 11:30pm during the summer months (1st April to 31st September).
The report states: “Following the public consultation, the council will commence charges immediately, as per the proposed charges per hour for these parking areas for phase 1.”