Havant Borough Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be meeting on Wednesday 25 June to discuss and evaluate a borough-wide parking review.

The committee, made up of Councillors from all parties, will discuss and scrutinise the key principles of the review, taking into consideration the climate emergency, sustainable transport, and how to best utilise council-owned car parking assets to generate much-needed income to help pay for future frontline services. 

As part of the review, the proposals include the extension of parking charges to seven days a week, RingGo and cash as the preferred method of payment, and the introduction of pay and display in seven council-owned car parks.

The panel will also look at an extension to the eight-hour parking for the price of four hours scheme for shop workers.

Councillor Richard Brown, Cabinet lead for Planning and Environment, said, “We understand there may be some concern from residents and businesses about a few of the recommendations that are being put forward – these have not been made lightly.

“Making these suggested adjustments across our pay and display car parks has been a tough decision, so we want to ensure they are fair and robust for motorists who live, work or visit the borough.

“Due to the constraints on the council’s finances, we need to make tough choices if we are to manage our budget effectively and continue to invest in our services.”

“Having the Overview and Scrutiny Committee evaluate the review prior to any formal decision being made is an important part of the process to ensure our Cabinet is fully informed, taking into consideration any recommendations, before they determine the outcome.

Residents and interested parties can watch the meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Committee live on Wednesday 25 June by following the link to www.havant.gov.uk.

Any recommendations made by the Overview and Scrutiny panel will then be taken to Cabinet on Wednesday, 9 July, when a formal decision will be made.

Havant Borough Council 18th June