South Cambridgeshire District Council recognises that illegal parking is a serious problem for many communities in our district. This council commits to tackling this problem and will explore the options available to us, as an authority, to assume the responsibility of civil parking enforcement, in common with over 9 in 10 local authority areas in England.
Decision:
Council
Agreed that South Cambridgeshire District Council recognises illegal parking is a serious problem for many communities in our district. This council commits to tackling this problem and to continuing to explore the options available to us, as an authority, to assume the responsibility of civil parking enforcement, in common with over 9 in 10 local authority areas in England.
Minutes:
Councillor Dr. Richard Williams proposed the following motion:
“South Cambridgeshire District Council recognises that illegal parking is a serious problem for many communities in our district. This council commits to tackling this problem and will explore the options available to us, as an authority, to assume the responsibility of civil parking enforcement, in common with over 9 in 10 local authority areas in England.”
Councillor Dr. Richard Williams stated that illegal parking was a problem throughout the District. It endangered cyclists and motorists. The District was one of 13 authorities out of 327 councils that was not a civil parking area. Cambridge City Council had made the City a civil parking area in 2004, which had the potential to cause confusion in border areas.
Councillor Dr. Richard Williams explained that there were many different models of civil parking. He further explained that the Council had tried paying for extra time from PCSO officers but this had not worked. According to a Cabinet report in 2019, the Council had not looked at this in detail since 2006. The Greater Cambridge Partnership appeared supportive.
Councillor Heather Williams seconded the motion, explaining that parking was a problem near travel hubs and other popular areas.
Councillor Nick Sample proposed an amendment that replaced “will” with “to continuing to”. Councillor Richard Williams agreed with the amendment which was accepted without debate.
Councillor Brian Milnes supported the motion, but wanted to commend the work of the Development Officer – Climate and Environment carried out 18 months ago in her report to Cabinet.
Councillor Steve Hunt expressed his support for this and agreed with Councillor Dr. Richard Williams that areas such as Orchard Park and North East Cambridge would benefit from having the same rules as Cambridge City Council.
Councillor Anna Bradnam expressed her support for this motion, stating that parking was a problem in Milton, due to the proximity of the Science Park. The challenge was that all civil parking had to be self-funding.
Councillor Nigel Cathcart explained that this issue had been discussed many times and should not be seen as purely an enforcement issue. Many estates had been built when there were fewer cars and this issue could cause tension between residents. He hoped that the Council could take a holistic approach to this issue.
Councillor Nick Sample expressed his support for the motion. He noted that the scheme would have to be self-funding and would require the co-operation of the Police. He lamented that the Police and Crime Commissioned had refused the extension of PCSO work.
Councillor Graham Cone expressed his support for the motion, which was especially important in new developments.
Councillor Heather Williams acknowledged the work already carried out by officers. She stated that the District was changing and this was an ideal time to revisit this issue.
By affirmation, with one abstention (Councillor Nigel Cathcart), Council
Resolved that South Cambridgeshire District Council recognises illegal parking is a serious problem for many communities in our district. This council commits to tackling this problem and to continuing to explore the options available to us, as an authority, to assume the responsibility of civil parking enforcement, in common with over 9 in 10 local authority areas in England.