Agenda item

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection recommending concessionary rates for car parking immediately prior to Easter.  Officers reported that on the basis of the 2.3% decline in car park usage compared to the corresponding period last year, officers were recommending that 1 night of concessionary parking was granted for 8^th/9^th April (Wednesday night – Thursday morning).

A member argued that additional concessions should be granted on the grounds that the 2 nights leading up to Good Friday were historically the busiest trading nights of the year.  In response the Chairman stated that although he did not dispute that the days immediately prior to Easter were a busy time for traders, the data on car park usage showed a general decline in usage overall and on this basis, 2 nights of concessions prior to Easter could not be justified.  Furthermore, if the downward trend in car park usage continued, the Committee would consider whether future pre-Easter parking concessions were necessary.

Members requested information on further analysis on the reasons for the decline in car park usage and modes of transport being used for visitors to the market, with input from the SMTA be presented to a future meeting and it was

RESOLVED –

1.     That option 2 is agreed, as recommended by officers

2.     That information on further analysis on the reasons for the decline in car park usage and modes of transport being used for visitors to the market be presented to a future meeting, with input from the SMTA.