Agenda item

RESOLVED: The Committee noted the presentation on the Car Parking Strategy.

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The Regeneration Programmes Manager and the Regeneration Programmes Officer gave a presentation.

The Chair invited questions and comments from the Committee.

Councillor Bone sought clarification on whether  the figures considered parking on adjacent streets. He highlighted the impact on residents and questioned if the side streets were policed.

The Regeneration Programmes Manager confirmed the data did not include residential parking as this was car park focused. She added the feedback on residential parking could be reflected on and could be followed up by Highways at Norfolk County Council and included as a recommendation as part of the strategy. She added there was previous consultations and permit schemes on Waterloo Street which had been taken forward.

Councillor Bone commented that a survey within the organisation would be worthwhile to find out where Officers used for car parking.

Councillor Heneghan referred to the Nar Ouse Travel Hub and asked how many car parking spaces were to be available there and if there was capacity to expand if successful.

The Regeneration Programmes Manager confirmed 50 spaces but there was scope and design to include 236 car parking spaces.

Councillor Heneghan encouraged cycling and use of buses and sought confirmation of plans for bus and cycle lane from the travel hub.

The Regeneration Programmes Manager explained there was good cycling infrastructure including Harding’s Way and joint ticketing with bus operators was being explored to encourage use.

In response to Councillor Rust, the Regeneration Programmes Manager commented that a plan of cycle routes could be shared and recommend the best routes to be taken. She added Norfolk County Council were working on the gyratory and local cycling and walking infrastructure plans which would also improve the walking and cycling routes.

In response to a deeper dive requested by Councillor Sayers, the Regeneration Programmes Officer summarised key findings, including peak demand in December, the popularity of the Tuesday Marketplace car park, the prevalence of short-term parking, and the existence of spare capacity except during peak periods, while also noting a 9% increase in cashless payments and a 7% increase in income since 2018.

In response to Councillor Sayers further question on EV charging and disabled parking; the Regeneration Programmes Officer confirmed that increasing EV charging points and reviewing disabled parking provision were explicit recommendations, with ongoing efforts to ensure car parks met accessibility needs.

Councillor Colwell raised concerns about parking charges as a 'tax', and the Regeneration Programmes Manager supported by the Assistant Director for Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer, explained the need to balance accessibility, revenue generation, and the encouragement of alternative transport modes, noting benchmarking against similar towns.

Under Standing Order 34, Councillor Kemp asked about travel plans for businesses and bus service improvements, the Regeneration Programmes Manager detailed ongoing travel plan work with major employers such as Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Mars and Greenyard and collaboration with the County Council and bus operators to align services with the park and ride initiative.

Under Standing Order 34, Councillor Kemp stressed the importance of the bus to the new medical centre and advocated this to be kept.

The Chair, Councillor Everett and Councillor Rust updated the committee on the 3H bus route, noting that while Norfolk County Council provided some funding, the route was at risk of cancellation from January 2026 due to ongoing losses, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and partnership working.

Councillor Heneghan commented on free parking however she identified the cost of providing parking and therefore highlighted the balance.

RESOLVED: The Committee noted the presentation on the Car Parking Strategy.