Policy overview
We must maintain the highways network throughout the county. To do this, we regulate the use of the network to improve traffic flows.
We can help to ensure drivers reach an optimal end-of-journey experience via resident permit schemes. These can help to:
- reduce congestion
- reduce pollution
- reduce noise levels
- enhance local communities by controlling parking availability
To deliver these schemes, we will consider representations from local communities as per the conditions contained in this policy.
We will investigate suggested schemes to ensure that the need is justified. We will consider whether:
- kerbside parking is more than 85% during the working day
- the majority of residents want the scheme and associated costs
Criteria
For us to consider a resident parking scheme, the proposal must meet specific criteria:
- the location should be part of a large urban area where long-term, on-street parking by non-residents prevents residents from parking near their properties for most of the working day. The working day is defined as 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, though schemes can vary
- the area is of sufficient size to minimise the possible effects of displacement into surrounding streets.
- a large proportion of the properties within the area do not have off-street parking, or the ability to install their off-street parking
- provision can be made for visitors to the area
- the scheme is revenue neutral (all running costs are met by the income raised from permit sales)
We will not consider single-street schemes unless:
- the area is in an isolated, residential location
- it is near a current scheme
- the running costs would not be in a deficit
Consultation
If a proposed scheme meets the criteria, we may send a questionnaire, covering letter, plan and pre-paid envelope to residents within the area concerned. It will ask whether they wish to be included within a resident parking scheme.
The covering letter and questionnaire will include:
- a statement that we will not introduce a scheme without permit charges
- information on the permit types and charges
- a statement that a permit will allow the holder to park within the zone concerned. It does not guarantee a parking space outside a residents' property
- information about properties with off-street access that will have either double yellow or single yellow lines across them for ease of enforcement
- if necessary, a statement to explain to residents of nearby streets that they are included within the consultation if it may affect them
- information on the number of positive responses received to progress with the scheme
- 30 per cent of eligible addresses must reply, and
- 66 per cent of replies must be in favour of the scheme
- the results reported to the relevant cabinet member
- how we will inform residents whether the scheme is progressing or not
- a way for residents to give their address and make any comments
- the date we must receive responses
The questionnaire can be a 'yes or no' question (for example, do you wish to be included?). It can also ask further questions, such as:
- how many cars resident own
- whether there is off-road parking and, if so, for how many vehicles
In compliance with GDPR we will not identify properties either in favour or against the introduction of the scheme.
We will show the consultation area in a spreadsheet or tabular format and on a plan.
Where residents say yes to the scheme but object to a charge we will count them as a negative response. We will count questionnaires returned with no address but cannot allocate them to an individual street.
After reporting the results of the consultation to the relevant cabinet member, we will send a copy of the report and a covering letter to each property that received the questionnaire. This is to inform residents of the results and what happens next.
If the scheme is to progress, we will move to the detailed design stage.
Detailed design
The majority of spaces provided are for the exclusive use of permit holders. We will consider providing dual-use bays, which will allow parking for a limited amount of time for:
- visitors to residents
- businesses
Breaks in bays will be covered by either double yellow lines or a single yellow line corresponding to the schemes hours of operation.
We will reflect the mix of development in the proposed scheme in the types of waiting restrictions proposed.
After the detailed design, we will follow our standard traffic regulation order (TRO) procedure.
Project engineers may organise a public exhibition to engage with residents.
Review, enforcement and charges
Scheme review
It is best practice for a review of a scheme to take place within 18 months of introduction. It will allow us to find out:
- about parking patterns and levels where the scheme has been implemented
- about parking patterns and levels on surrounding streets. This is to determine whether significant displacement has taken place
- if the scheme needs to be extended to surrounding streets
- whether additional bays are required within the existing scheme
We will report the review to the relevant county councillor with recommendations on any changes.
Enforcement
The cost of enforcement is part of the permit pricing. The level of enforcement depends on the level of non-compliance with the scheme.
A scheme is usually patrolled three to four days a week, with multiple checks on vehicles occurring during the patrol. Patrol patterns are randomised and not pre-released.
Permit types
We intend to use electronic, paperless permits for future schemes. They help to reduce costs, allow better management of the scheme and enable more efficient enforcement.
Scheme management
Operational schemes are managed daily by our parking services team. The county highway asset team manages the initial consultation, design and the TRO processes.
Permit charges
Permits are priced to cover all consultation, implementation, enforcement and maintenance costs. Schemes are delivered and operated at a neutral cost to the council. We will review permit charges at appropriate intervals and report all changes to the appropriate executive councillor.