Agenda item

Cabinet considered proposals for the adoption of a Thanet Parking Strategy. The decision to create a strategy for Parking in Thanet was rooted in a motion tabled at Full Council in 2022 by Councillor Crittenden, which called for an impact assessment of the increased pressures on parking caused by ongoing developments within the district. Since taking on the new parking portfolio in May of this year, the Cabinet Member had been struck by how something so every day proved to be such an emotive topic for local residents. This was borne out by the incredible response to the two waves of consultation regarding the strategy, which garnered almost five thousands responses. This equated to over three percent of Thanet’s total population.

Cabinet acknowledged for the first time, the impact of parking on the day to day lives of residents and also created a clear and actionable plan to improve and enhance a new approach for the district. The Thanet District parking strategy would ensure there was high quality and appropriately located parking that supported economic development and regeneration, prioritising active & sustainable transport, and providing a positive parking experience for residents, businesses and visitors.

Covering off-street and on-street parking across the district, this strategy identified eight overarching objectives, sub-divided into fifty-two specific actions. Some of these actions were ‘quick wins’ that would, if Cabinet chose to adopt the strategy this evening, would be implemented within the next 12 months. This parking strategy was not something to be left on a shelf, gathering dust. It would make a very real contribution to the realisation of the Council’s Corporate Plan.

With an emphasis on maximising use of our off-street car parks, the Council would be encouraging vehicles off town-centre streets and thereby making them safer. The seamless integration of active transport and EV charging would help the Council on toward our net zero goals and the protection of the local environment. Clearer pricing, signage and wayfinding would help reduce pressures on residential neighbourhoods and encourage increased use of local facilities and business to create a thriving place.

A clear plan for car parks would mean that whether it is by the introduction of new payment technologies or the consideration of new or alternative uses, they would become increasingly cost efficient assets for the local community. The quick wins and short to medium term actions within this strategy would make an almost immediate and positive difference to peoples’ lives in Thanet. Cabinet welcomed and acknowledged the recommendation from the Overview & Scrutiny Panel that it should be reviewed at fixed intervals. Cabinet offered to provide annual updates to the Panel on how the implementation of the actions agreed was progressing.

Cabinet thanked all those who participated in the creation of this work, that included the consultants at Ethos, Ms Button and her team, the many ward councillors who attended the community engagement events and especially the residents who took time out of their busy lives to attend events or to complete the surveys.

It was proposed that Cabinet agree to the recommendation in the report to Adopt the Thanet District Parking Strategy and agree to the initial implementation plan. Cabinet agreed to the Overview & Scrutiny Panel proposal to fix a five year review of the Parking Strategy.

Councillor K. Bright proposed, Councillor Keen seconded and Cabinet adopted the Thanet District Parking Strategy and agree to the initial implementation plan.