ITEM CMDT2
CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT – 5 JUNE 2008
PARK AND RIDE TRANSFER
Report by Head of Transport Introduction
1. Following discussions between the County Council and Oxford City Council the City Council has decided to transfer the management of its three Park and Ride sites to the County Council. This report seeks approval to accept the transfer.
Background
2. On 28 April 2008 Oxford City Council received a report regarding the “future management of City Council operated Park and Ride car parks”. That report recommended transfer of the three sites to the County Council on the basis of a Head of Terms document. That report and document are attached at Annex 1 (download as .doc file).
3. The City Council agreed the recommendations and delegated authority to the Executive Director City Services to conclude an agreement with the County Council. In addition the Heads of Terms includes the requirement to set up a Liaison Meeting between the County and City Councils regarding strategic transport and parking issues.
4. Officers from the County Council were involved in jointly drawing up the Heads of Terms with officers from the City Council including the Terms of Reference of the Liaison Meeting.
5. However, the City Council added a paragraph relating to branding (Annex 1- see page 13 of this item). This requires agreement of appropriate branding to reflect the partnership approach. Given the significant investment that the County Council is making to create free parking and to compensate the City Council the primacy of the County’s role will be the only acceptable branding solution. Agreement to the transfer should be on this basis.
How the Project Supports LTP2 Objectives
6. Transfer of the three City Council Park and Ride sites to the County Council will enable all five sites to be managed, maintained and marketed in a consistent manner. The aim is to improve Park and Ride Services to people who work or visit Oxford and reduce congestion within the city.
Financial Implications (including Revenue)
7. The agreement requires the County Council to bear the costs of running the sites and to pay the City Council a sum of £250,000 per year. These costs can be contained within the Transport Revenue Budget 2008/09.
RECOMMENDATION
8. The Cabinet Member for Transport is RECOMMENDED to:
(a) accept the transfer of the function of operating Park and Ride sites at Redbridge, Pear Tree and Seacourt from Oxford City Council on the basis of the Heads of Terms as set out in Annex 1 to this report including issues regarding branding as referred to in paragraph 5 of this report ; and
(b) authorise the Head of Transport in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport to conclude an agreement for the above transfer with Oxford City Council.
STEVE HOWELL Head of Transport Environment & Economy
Background papers: Nil
Contact Officer: Steve Howell Tel 01865 815845
May 2008
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