Centralised parking and permit plan put on ice

Lib Dem councillor pleased at outcome

PLANS to centralise all parking charges and permits across Hampshire have been put on ice.

Earlier this week, The News reported that Hampshire County Council was proposing to take responsibility for parking - something currently managed by district councils, with a few exceptions.

But prior to a decision being made at a decision day meeting on Thursday, the proposals were withdrawn.

The decision has come to the relief of Liberal Democrat, Cllr Martin Tod, who opposed the plans.

As the party's spokesman for economy, transport and environment, he said: ‘These proposals were never fit for purpose and it's good that following opposition and district council pressure they've now been withdrawn.

‘Now we need a joinedup plan that isn't just about hiking prices and cutting services.

‘It has to make sure on-street car parking and car parks work together and also centre on the challenges of supporting our local centres, being fair value for residents, ensuring cost effective enforcement and taking on the air quality and climate change challenges that we all face across the county.’

In 2020, the county council took control of parking services in Gosport, Fareham, Test Valley and the New Forest.

Since then, plans for new pay-and-display areas have been put forward in Fareham, Lee-on-the-Solent and Lymington.

The county council has confirmed that proposals have now been taken back to the drawing board.

A spokesman for Hampshire County Council said: ‘The decision was made to withdraw the Parking Agency Agreement Report from the agenda for the Economy, Transport and Environment Decision Day held on September 23, following further information and issues being brought to our attention by colleagues at the district and borough authorities.

‘Simultaneously, very recent developments in terms of the implications of the rollout, beyond London, of part six of the Traffic Management Act - in respect of powers for civil enforcement of traffic offences – must also, rightly, be fully taken into account.

‘Recalling the paper ahead of any decision-making procedure will allow time for additional due consideration to be given and enable further discussion with our colleagues at the partner authorities. ‘