Agenda item

Report of the Environment Director.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director Environment on the Epping Forest Car Park Charging Phase 3. Introducing the report, the Members were informed of the challenges met throughout stages one and two of the introduction of car parking charges, how those issues have been resolved and also those that are still ongoing. In addition, the Committee were informed of the Environment Department’s action to address some of the feedback that had been received from the public in providing longer stay and free parking options regarding the management of visitors in terms of encouraging visits away from the SAC (Special Area of Conservation).

Following a question from the Chairman it was clarified that free parking cannot be permitted inside the SAC as a requirement of Natural England and their Habitats regulation assessment, which was conducted at the outset of implementing car parking charges. It was added that it was a requirement of Natural England in order to prevent displacement that charging has to be implemented in all car parks that are in or adjacent to the SAC.

Replying to a Member’s concern the reasoning behind the introduction of car parking charging was provided and it was confirmed that these reasons were explained fully in the background reports which were all received by the Committee. It was added these charges were introduced for a number of reasons not just budgetary concerns.

A Member observed that there was objection to car parking charges on a local level. The Chairman commented that he hoped that the car parking charges would be understandable when the improvements to the carpark become more visible. A Committee Member expressed concerns about the project and requested that a review be completed before it was taken any further. Members asked that Officers remember that a ‘one size fits all’ approach, is not appropriate as there are some small car parks where it's uneconomical or too burdensome to manage the car park which it was important to reconsider. The Chairman noted that this was likely to be an ongoing concern which would need to consider the funds being spent and how much income is generated. Officers agreed that an annual review would be undertaken however it was overserved there were significant constraints within which this review would need to take place.

It was confirmed that Members received a report at Committee in January this year, noting this report complements the prior review, as a final review. It was added that visitors comments have been considered and incorporated into the scheme, as far as possible, within the constraints.

The Chairman noted that the City of London Corporation was in conversation with local authorities on the public transport plans for the Forest.

An update was given regarding the reported vandalism towards the payment machines at the effected car parks noting that all effected signs and machines had been replaced.

RESOLVED- That: -

1. The comments made by the Consultative Committee be noted; and
2. That the recommended options for future car park arrangements be agreed.