Agenda item

3.1     The Chair presented a number of proposals to members for consideration. In relation to a proposal to move buses to the East Station/Edinburgh Road car park, it was agreed that further discussion on the matter be postponed due to the survey result and the need for wider consultation to be done on the future creation of a ‘gateway’ into Peebles.  It was confirmed that Scottish Borders Council was responsible for cost of relocating a bus stop.  In relation to any proposal to alter the charging regime for car parks it was agreed that it be done on a pilot basis for either 12 or 18 months with appropriate consultation.  There was agreement to the proposals to improve directional signage to car parks and to promote the annual £26 parking passes particularly to retailers, traders and those who park and ride.  In relation to a proposal to retain free parking in Kingsmeadows and Neidpath car parks, there was a suggestion to consider the introduction of charges on Friday and Saturday only.  Gary Haldane reported that a bay remarking plan of Kingsmeadows car park was currently underway at the request of the Peebles Common Good Fund Sub-Committee which had the potential to alleviate the overcapacity issue. 

There was agreement to the proposal to maintain the current charging regime in Greenside and the Swimming Pool car park.  In relation to the proposal to improve signage in car parks, it was agreed to alter the branding and information to reflect the fact that all monies were directed into the Peebles Parking Fund to be spent locally.  With regards to the Peebles Parking Fund, the Chair proposed that an assessment panel be convened to consider funding applications and make recommendations as to how revenue was to be spent.  It was confirmed that the parking fund did not contain money that was due to the Peebles Common Good Fund.  The proposal to form a panel was agreed. 

3.2     There followed a brief discussion on the introduction of parking charges in all car parks.  Concern was raised that the introduction of charges to Kingsmeadows car park would displace drivers to side streets causing issues for nearby residents.  It was pointed out that paid parking was a traffic management tool rather than income generation and there was to be considerable capital outlay to install the paid parking infrastructure at Neidpath and Kingsmeadows, with many years before breaking even.  The introduction of charging at Neidpath car park had the potential to be contentious as it was used by those attending the GP, Haylodge hospital and funerals at the adjoining Neidpath Cemetery. 

3.3     With reference to East Station/Edinburgh Road car park, there was a brief discussion which highlighted that there was no ‘ideal time’ to charge for parking throughout the week.  It was reported that the Retailers’ Association considered free parking to be an asset to Peebles as it encouraged people to stay longer in the town.  The need for the turnover of spaces in the car park at peak times of the year and how best to encourage that was discussed, with the point being made that people did find other places to park in the town during busy periods and to limit the amount of time people could spend in the town would not alleviate the pressure on parking spaces.  There was a suggestion that revenue from parking charges be diverted into maintaining the public toilets in town as well as other identified local needs.  On the proposal to alter the paid parking regime in East Station/Edinburgh Road car park, no agreement was made and further discussion was to be had on the matter.  It was suggested that the research carried out, along with a community conversation, could become part of the wider Place Making currently underway in Peebles.  It was agreed to invite Crick Carleton, Chair of the Tweeddale Area Partnership Place Making Working Group to attend the next meeting.

DECISION

AGREED that the following proposals be taken forward as recommendations:

(a)        any proposal to alter the charging regime for car parks it was agreed that it be done on a pilot basis for either 12 or 18 months with appropriate consultation

(b)       to improve directional signage to car parks

(c)        to promote the annual £26 parking passes particularly to retailers, traders and those who park and ride

(d)       to maintain the current charging regime in Greenside and the Swimming Pool car park

(e)        agreed to alter the branding and information on car park signage to reflect the fact that all monies were directed into the Peebles Parking Fund to be spent locally

(f)        a Parking Fund Assessment Panel be convened to consider funding applications and projects to then make recommendations accordingly      

(g)       to invite Crick Carleton to the next meeting of the Peebles Parking Working Group