Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Environment

Forward Plan Ref: 2016/081

Contact: Martin Kraftl, Principal Infrastructure Planner; Tel: 07920 084336

Report by Acting Director for Environment & Economy (CA9).

The report outlines the benefits of introducing a Workplace Parking Levy (WPL) in Oxford, along with a timetable and costs for the work required to develop and implement a WPL. The proposed programme of work includes the development of an outline and then full business case. In addition, the reports sets out the need for proper and effective consultation and engagement. It is proposed to develop the outline business case between April and October 2017 and so a decision is required on whether to proceed on this basis including approval to allocate funding to this.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to approve the overall approach proposed, including the programme at Annex 1, as the basis for further work and to allocate £100,000 from reserves to the development of an outline business case by October 2017.

Recommendation agreed with the following amendment in bold italics:

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to approve the overall approach proposed, to explore further the congestion charging scheme, including the programme at Annex 1, as the basis for further work and to allocate £100,000 from reserves to the development of an outline business case by October 2017.

Cabinet had before them a report that outlined the benefits of introducing a Workplace Parking Levy (WPL) in Oxford, along with a timetable and costs for the work required to develop and implement a WPL. Paragraph 5 of the report flagged that further evidence was required to fully understand whether a congestion charging scheme is appropriate and how this could work in conjunction with, or independently of, a WPL.

Councillor Susanna Pressel, local councillor for Jericho & Osney spoke in support of the proposals on a workplace parking levy noting that she had put forward an unsuccessful motion to Council in 2013. She hoped that the process would be speedy. It was important to convince people that it would reduce congestion and would provide benefits in terms of funding for projects. She asked that in considering the area to be included that Cowley be excluded as it would have a detrimental impact on attracting and retaining companies. Councillor Pressel suggested that councillors could lead by example by looking at the spaces outside County Hall.

Councillor Steve Curran, Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment supported the proposals which were important in providing funding to deliver the Local Transport Plan. He would hope that if possible the timescales be reduced and was pleased to see that the County was working with Nottingham which should allow us to learn from their experience.

During discussion Cabinet thanked officers for their work, supported the proposals but urged against the danger of spending the funding several times over. Councillor Nimmo Smith, Cabinet Member for Environment in moving the recommendations commented that doing nothing was not an option as the funding to be gained was essential. Officers added that the timescales referred to in the report were realistic taking into account the experience shared by Nottingham. Engagement with the business community would be vital.

Councillor Heathcoat proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor Nimmo Smith clarifying that there should be further exploratory work around congestion charging.

RESOLVED:                         to approve the overall approach proposed, to explore further the congestion charging scheme,including the programme at Annex 1, as the basis for further work and to allocate £100,000 from reserves to the development of an outline business case by October 2017.