Decision details

The Director of Community Services submitted a report providing Committee with an update on the parking trial at Edisford car park for users of the leisure facilities nearby and seeking approval to make the arrangements permanent.

Committee had agreed to the trial in March 2023 which had been recommended by the working group following a petition in January 2023.  The petition requested a period of free parking for Roefield users. Instead of free parking, a long stay permit had been trialed from April 2023, which allowed all long stay permit holders to use Edisford car park. The year-on-year comparison of long-term permits sold and income from the car park were included in the report, although Members were advised that it was difficult to attribute any increase to the temporary arrangement.

Members were updated in regards to the 3 elements that were considered when granting the trial, which were in relation to on-street parking on Edisford Road, impact on income from the car park, and the level of usage at the facilities. As the parking order on Edisford designated it as a short-term car park, the parking order would need to be amended to allow the permanent use of the long stay permit on the car park, whilst retaining the car park predominantly as short stay.

Members hoped that once the arrangement became permanent this may increase the uptake of the permits. Concerns were also raised regarding coaches parking on the road outside the leisure facilities, and Officers would raise this directly with the coach company to reiterate that they were able to wait in Edisford Car Park.

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:

1.    Approve the use of the long-term permit for parking on Edisford Car Park on a permanent basis.

2.    Authorise the Director of Community Services to take the appropriate steps to amend the Ribble Valley Car Park Order to reflect this.