Decision details

Proposal for increases to parking charges across Rother District

Decision Maker: Lead Member for Transport and Environment

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To consider the results of the public consultation on the proposal to align Rother Districts permit structure and tariffs to those currently being used in Eastbourne Borough and Lewes District. Introducing tariffs based on vehicle emissions, with higher emitting vehicles being charged more for permits than those producing less emissions and the proposed increase of pay and display charges to encourage alternative travel modes.

Decisions:

47.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport together with written comments from Local Members Councillors Clark and Field.

 

DEICISONS

 

47.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

 

(1) Note the response to the public consultation on increasing on-street parking charges and the proposed changes to permit charges;

 

(2) Approve the proposals to increase on-street parking and permit charges as detailed at Appendix 2 of the report; and

 

(3) Agree that parking and permit charges across the county will be reviewed annually.

 

REASONS

 

47.3     By offering a reduction in the permit charge based on vehicle carbon dioxide emissions, the Council can help to facilitate the uptake of vehicles with cleaner fuels across Rother, Eastbourne, Hastings and Lewes, which in turn will help to reduce pollution in coastal towns and local town centres. Introducing such an incentive will help to achieve key outcomes within the Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) focussed on helping to achieve the Council's net-zero ambitions and support the reduction of emissions to improve air quality. The increase as set out in Appendix 2 of the report, will encourage greater use of sustainable modes of transport wherever possible. Using alternative modes of transport will help to reduce vehicle congestion and pollution in the town centres.

 

47.4     The charges will be reviewed annually to ensure they remain appropriate, in line with the annual review which takes place for all other Civil Parking Enforcement areas.

 

47.5     Charging at a sufficient level to impact driver behaviour, can bolster the local economy by encouraging a ‘churn’ of visitors and shoppers, rather than spaces being occupied by a single user for a long period of time. The proposals for the on-street parking charges aim to encourage greater use of off-street car parks, reduce the number of vehicles driving on town centre roads searching for parking spaces, and aim to encourage greater use of alternative modes of transport which in turn will reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality. These outcomes will make these towns a more appealing place to work, live and visit and thereby boost the local economy.

 

47.6     Any future parking surplus, excluding existing commitments, could be used as a further contribution towards the Council’s public transport costs. The investment in these activities is complementary to the objectives of the LTP4 in the provision of sustainable transport which assists in supporting accessibility to key destinations and creating healthy places however, these improvements alone will not enable the change in behaviour that the proposals to parking charges are seeking to achieve.

Report author: Daniel Clarke

Publication date: 27/01/2025

Date of decision: 27/01/2025

Decided at meeting: 27/01/2025 - Lead Member for Transport and Environment

Effective from: 01/02/2025

Accompanying Documents: