Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision:

In March 2020, at the start of the pandemic, an Urgent Officer decision was taken in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Community Safety to approve a decision to freeze the planned Multi-Storey Car Park price rise planned for April 2020 until further notice, and further to  provide free parking for key workers (as defined by Government at the time) in the light of the covid-19 pandemic. These arrangements were aligned with County plans on street and surface car park enforcement. These further arrangements were put in place until the end of May.

The arrangement now needs urgent review to meet previously agreed timescales. Alongside this, the unprecedented nature  of the pandemic, the need for careful phasing of any easing of the lockdown, and detailed plans for re-opening the City Centre in the relevant way to support Staying Safe in Cambridge, and complying with Government Guidance, results in the need to review the proposals in themselves.

The attached paper addresses the need to ensure the relevant balance to support continued public health requirements whilst supporting businesses in their staged return to work.

Executive Cllr is recommended to agree the new arrangements, which include:

-          Creation of free parking permits for public and voluntary sector key workers until the 31^st August, and

-          the provision of a City Centre Worker permit at a discounted rate for the same period, for city centre businesses returning to work until the 31^st August

Why the decision had to be made (and any alternative options):

The previous agreement ends on 31^st May 2020, and it is important to get the new arrangements in place for 1^st June, when the first phase of City Centre reopening is due to start. 

The Executive Councillor’s decision(s):

To approve the continued car parking arrangements.

Reasons for the decision:

As detailed in the Officers report attached.

Scrutiny consideration:

The Chair and Spokesperson of Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee were consulted prior to the action being authorised.

Comments were made by the Opposition Spokes which were addressed by the Strategic Director (Fiona Bryant)

Report:

Appendix 1 can be viewed at the link below:

https://democracy.cambridge.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SD1514&ID=1514&RPID=65851634

Conflicts of interest:

None

Comments:

The decision will be reported back to the Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee on 30^th June 2020.