Meeting documents

To approve the minutes of the Environment PAG held on 20 November 2018.

The minutes of the Environment PAG held on 20 November 2018 were approved.

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no reports from Members.

Members were updated on the procurement process for a joint waste contract for South Bucks, Chiltern and Wycombe District Councils. It was noted that officers and Members of the Joint Waste Collection Committee were due to meet with their counterparts at Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) and Buckinghamshire County Council (BCC) to discuss the project’s progress to date. Members enquired as to the length of the prospective contract, and whether a joint contract for the five councils could be an option now that a single unitary council would be in place from April 2020. It was noted that the length of the contract for the first term would be 10 years in length. Members were concerned about the prospect of procuring a long term contract with unitary governance on the horizon. The PAG were informed that the process for procuring a new waste contract began in 2018 in order that the service continue to be provided to residents when the Chiltern and Wycombe contract comes to an end in June 2019. It was advised that a short term contract would be costly to the Councils.

It was noted that since the commencement of the procurement process, officers at BCC had been given regular progress updates. Members were informed that the Joint Waste Committee for Buckinghamshire that had previously been set up to discuss waste services across Buckinghamshire as a whole, had been dissolved in 2016. It was also noted that AVDC ran an in house waste service.

Members considered a report on how the Council can maximise use of the parking facilities across the District. It was noted the review had taken place following changes to Chiltern Railway’s prices.

Current and proposed tariffs were provided at Appendix A. The current prices for season tickets were provided at Appendix B.Since the agenda had been published, the current and proposed tariffs for Gerrards Cross at Appendix A had been updated, and were tabled at the meeting. Some increases had been made to cover inflationary increases in servicing, maintenance and enforcement costs of the car parks. No changes were being proposed for the up to 9 hours and 24 hour tariffs at Parkhorse Road and Station Road, Gerrards Cross.

In relation to Summers Road, it was noted that the Council was in the process of settling the dispute with the Parish Council.

Having considered the advice of the PAG, the Portfolio Holder RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to Cabinet:

2.1         

                           a.          to increase short stay parking tariffs (1hr to 4hrs) and the flat Sunday rate across all car parks by 10p;

                           b.          to increase the 24hr tariff in Burnham and Farnham Common by 20p; and

                            c.          to introduce a one hour tariff in the Broadway car park, Farnham Common.

2.2        That, subject to Cabinet agreeing the recommendations, the Head of Environment be authorised to publish the statutory Notice of proposed Amendment to the Off Street Parking Places Order.

2.3        That, if no valid objections are received in response to publication of the Notice at 2.2, the Director of Services be authorised to make and publicise the Amendment Order.

2.4        That, if valid objections are received in response to publication of the Notice at 2.2, the Director of Services be authorised to deal with any such objections after consultation with the Portfolio Holder, and to make and publicise the necessary Amendment Order with or without modifications as considered appropriate.

The PAG considered a report on options to introduce electric vehicle charging points in South Bucks car parks to promote sustainable transport, and enable car parks to be viable for all motoring groups.

Members of the PAG agreed in principle to support the introduction of electric charging points at their meeting on 20 November 2018. If the recommendations were agreed by Cabinet, Council officers would commence a statutory consultation on the proposals.

Information on a number of potential suppliers that provide electric vehicle charging points were at Appendix A. It was noted that some of the suppliers offered the ability for the Council to charge customers for the electricity.

A concern was raised as to what would happen if someone left their car charging in the bay for a full day therefore preventing other car park users wanting to use the charging facility. It was advised that normal enforcement procedures would be in place; officers patrolled all car parks regularly and so there would be no extra cost to patrol the electric vehicle charging bays. Further, these bays could have restrictions put on them if necessary. It was suggested that a question on restrictions for electric vehicle charging bays be included in the consultation. Members were reassured that the usage of these bays would be reviewed regularly to assess whether additional charging points would need to be introduced. The PAG noted that the battery sizes in electric cars differed, which affected charging times.

Having considered the advice of the PAG, the Portfolio Holder RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to Cabinet:

2.1         

a)        to amend the Off Street Parking Places Order to enable electric vehicle charging points to be introduced in locations where evidence supports the requirement and that the Head of Environment be authorised in consultation with the Portfolio Holder to approve the locations; and

b)        to retain car park fees and charges for electric vehicle users.

2.2        That, subject to Cabinet agreeing the recommendations, the Head of Environment be authorised to publish the statutory Notice of proposed Amendment to the Off Street Parking Places Order.

2.3        That, if no valid objections are received in response to publication of the Notice at 2.2, the Director of Services be authorised to make and publicise the Amendment Order.

2.4        That, if valid objections are received in response to publication of the Notice at 2.2, the Director of Services be authorised to deal with any such objections after consultation with the Portfolio Holder and to make and publicise the necessary Amendment Order with or without modifications as considered appropriate.