Issue - decisions

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.    Considers the consultation responses received;

2.    Authorises the Corporate Director of Place to submit an application to London Councils, the Mayor of London and the Secretary of State for Transport, to change the parking Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) tariff from Band B to Band A;

3.    Delegates authority to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, to make any further necessary decisions to implement the change in PCN Banding if the consent of the Secretary of State is granted.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted that in April 2023, the Council had launched a consultation on plans to tackle an increase in parking non-compliance in the Borough by increasing the deterrent effect of penalty charge notices (PCN) and moving them from Band B to A.

The Leader of the Council explained the proposal to move to Band A, noting that in the period prior to after Covid-19, the number of penalty charge notices issued by the Council had increased by 29%, which, in many ways, demonstrated that the lower charge was not acting as a sufficient deterrent.

The Leader remarked on the outcome of the consultation and whilst noting that there were objections to the proposed band change, regarded that there was a wider public interest in maintaining safe highways and the free flow of traffic which was why the Council was recommending the change. Cabinet, therefore agreed the proposal and noted the necessary submissions that would need to be made, and further acknowledged that an upcoming wider London review of the charging bands could in fact, negate the need for the Council’s application altogether.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to apply to change the PCN banding.