Following discussion about the proposed council budget for 2019/20 and the endorsement of the Off-Street Car Parking Strategy in October 2018, Huntingdonshire District Council has confirmed that it is to consider a detailed proposal on car parking investment. This will result in a number of major improvements to the council’s off-street car parks, which will be delivered in 2019.
The proposed car parking investment will be put before the next meeting of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Panel in February.
Proposed improvements to the car parks are being finalised, but will include:
- a change in parking time periods
- enabling customers to only pay for what they use and more convenient payment methods
- allowing for quick and easier payment and the promise of delivering greater ‘value for money’ parking facilities
- charges being kept lower than those in comparative areas.
Executive Councillor for Operations and Regulation, Cllr Marge Beuttell said: "Having undertaken a major public survey to better understand what our customers expect from council-run car parks, we have listened to what local residents, businesses and visitors want, and are finalising putting together a package of improvements that will further improve car parking facilities in our market towns."
Cllr Beuttell added: "We are committed to delivering on our manifesto pledge; to ensure our Car Parking Strategy supports and encourages retail in our town centres, and I strongly believe that the investment being considered by the district council will benefit both car owners and businesses located in our town centres."
In addition to the premise of only paying for what they use, and alternative, more convenient payment methods, customers will also see proposals brought forward to offer wider bays, if they wish to use such a service, and better lighting to improve the feeling of security.
A number of other proposals are being considered that will ensure ‘value for money’ and convenience are further enhanced, and the district council is exploring the piloting of other technologies to enable the measuring of success of such arrangements before rolling them out more widely.
Cllr Beuttell said: "The district council’s Off-Street Car Parking Strategy, together with the proposed car parking improvements, backs up the Delivering Sustainable Growth principles contained in the council’s Corporate Plan. As a result I am confident that we will deliver a car parking service that is sustainable, and supportive of local residents, businesses, and visitors, and which will further promote the economic growth and development of our towns within Huntingdonshire."
