Changes afoot for council’s controversial car parking strategy? Recommendations from review to be considered.

Flintshire County Council has said it will consider recommendations from a review into its controversial car park strategy which was introduced last year.

Pay and display parking in Connah’s Quay, Queensferry and Shotton was implemented in October last year, many local residents ‘slammed’ the move forecasting even greater demise of Deeside’s already beleaguered High Streets.

The planned review has taken into account views from residents, businesses and public organisations, recommendations will be put before councillors at a meeting next week.

The council say that as a result of feedback received, a number of changes have been proposed including, the possible introduction of some free short stay on-street parking for quick visits to the town centres.

Other suggestions being looked include the issuing of parking permits to businesses and residents who are located closest to a short stay car park.

The cost of the permit will be the same as for a long stay car park with the number of permits issued to be capped at 20% of the overall available spaces leaving sufficient space for shoppers and visitors say the council.

Another proposal would be the introduction of ‘double ticketing’ in certain towns with ticket machines configured to produce two tickets, one ticket to be displayed in the vehicle and the other to be used to obtain a refund from participating businesses.

A list of businesses offering refunds would be clearly displayed in each car park.

The council will also consider providing local businesses with the opportunity to advertise on the back of the parking ticket.

Review of signage

A review of signage in each car park will be undertaken the council say to ensure users are provided with clear information about the need to pay and applicable tariffs, the number of ticket machines available in each location to also be reviewed.

Usage levels in each of the car parks is to be monitored and reviewed to ‘validate current long or short stay classifications.’

Monitoring the usage of disabled car parking spaces will also start, this is to ensure there are enough spaces available, a review of motorcycle spaces to be carried out.

Dual use parking spaces could be introduced under proposals which would allow disabled spaces to be used by drivers with young children.

A review of signage in each car park will also take place to ensure users are provided with clear information about the need to pay and applicable tariffs, the number of ticket machines available in each location to also be reviewed.

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Bernie Attridge, said:

“The tariffs people pay to park are used to maintain and improve car parking facilities. Sharing the costs between all car park users helps the Council protect other vital services, such as social services and education, which are under threat from continued budget reductions.

“Pay and Display parking is here to stay in Flintshire, however, it is important we collect and listen to the feedback we receive so that we can improve the experience of car park users and local businesses.”