Agenda item

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Open Spaces on the Tariff Options for introduced charges for the Epping Forest Car Parking. The Chairman noted that further information on many of the details of the Epping Forest Car Parking would be provided after the public consultation had been completed.

The Committee debated the relative merits of Tariff Options B and C. It was suggested by a Member that, as the budget for managing the Forest was under pressure, Tariff Option C should be adopted as this provided the highest level of income. The Deputy Chairman explained that the Car Parking Charges are not only to increase income but also to manage visitor numbers. The Director of Open Spaces explained that after the approval of the Committee an extensive public consultation would begin in earnest. In addition, the Director of Open Spaces outlined the reasoning why Tariff Option B was recommended. The Chairman stated that he viewed Tariff Option B as the most appropriate as it allowed for suitable balance between securing valuable income but not making the costs of visiting the Forest prohibitable expensive. It was noted by a Committee member that the charges could be reviewed annually to allow for further consideration of the appropriate level of tariff. The Committee approved Tariff Option B with the condition that more detail be provided on differential charging options.

The Director of Open Spaces confirmed, in response to a query from a Member, that options for licensing professional dog walkers in the Forest were being explored.

RESOLVED- That the Committee approved Tariff Option B to be introduced with implementation of parking charges at Epping Forest.