Agenda item

To receive the report of the Head of Estates & Operations

The Committee received and considered the report of the Head of Estates & Operations regarding the proposal to introduce limits to the period of parking on The Leys. He summarized the issues being faced and the implications of any proposed changes to users of the recreation ground.

Members were aware that it spaces were used by students who attended Henry Box School as well as other individuals who found it as convenient parking before walking into town. This impacted the availability for users of the recreation ground who would naturally expect to be able to park there and make use of the facilities at all times.

It was acknowledged that the problem of parking at The Leys was historical, also that Witney was fortunate in the amount of free parking, which was available, including the proposal by West Oxfordshire District Council to make additional long-term parking in Zone G of the Woolgate Car park a permanent arrangement which would predominantly benefit those that work in the town

The HE&O outlined the proposals from WODC or OCC to set up and support the enforcement of the change, OCC’s (option A) verbal quote was agreed subject to official confirmation..

Members discussed the terms of the restrictions. As issues were experienced mostly during weekdays with little impact at weekends it was proposed that the restrictions be considered to run Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm with a parking limit of 3 hours with no return, there would be no restrictions at weekends..

A vote was taken, Members were unanimously in favour of the proposal, however it was agreed that if the OCC verbal quote to establish and operate the scheme varied significantly when confirmed in writing, that the decision should return to the committee for further consideration.

Recommended:

1.      That, the report be noted and,

2.      That, a scheme be proposed to run Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm with no restrictions at weekends a limit of 3 hours and with Oxfordshire Country Council as the provider and,

3.      That, should the costs significantly exceed the quote of £3,740 then the committee consider the proposal again before proceeding.