THE introduction of parking
charges in Knowle has seen a faster turnover of spaces as hoped for, a council
report says.
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But charges – for stays over
three hours – had moved some parking onto residential streets and not moved
people onto buses as hoped, it says.
Fees were introduced in
November in a bid to deter long-stay parking, particularly among workers, and
free up spaces at six car parks.
While it said it is “too
early” to predict its future, figures about number of tickets was “very
positive” the Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council report said.
They show free visits went
from 44,068 in November to 50,427 in January with 6,862 paid visits, bringing
in £8,987.
The council planned for it to
contribute £1,965 to its savings programme over the three months but it brought
in £6,567.
The scheme – also introduced
in Shirley – is “supporting local businesses by ensuring an appropriate
turnover of parking space and also delivering the council’s approved medium
term financial savings targets”.
Drivers have to get a ticket
for free and paid parking, in operation from 8am to 6pm
Monday to Saturday, including public and bank holidays.
Three to four hours is 50p;
up to five hours £1; up to six hours £1.50 and up to 10 hours £2.
The report said: “Reaction
and complaints from customers in Knowle has also been very limited.” This is
because of work by Knowle Society members to help people with the system in its
first two weeks, the report said.
But it said: “There is no
evidence of the system changing people’s mode of transport, but there is
evidence that some vehicles have displaced from the car park to un-restricted
nearby residential streets. This is subject to surveys which will determine if
further action is required.”
Before it was introduced, the
council urged people to “where practical, consider using more sustainable modes
of transport, including the improving local bus services, or cycling and
walking”.
No penalty tickets were given
out in 2013 and 123 were given out in January.
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