'Right to use scrutiny process to look at plans again'
Councillors have called for a rethink on key aspects of parking proposals which were agreed earlier this month.
The changes being proposed include offering periods of free parking in Larkfield, Aylesford and Tonbridge. It was also recommended that plans to extend the Upper Castle Field car park in Tonbridge do not go ahead.
The original plans, agreed by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s cabinet on 2 April, were called in for review by last night’s (22/4/24) Overview and Scrutiny Committee following a request by a cross-party group of five councillors.
Amending the proposals to include an hour’s free parking in Aylesford and Martin Square, Larkfield matches a similar concession agreed by cabinet for on-street parking the High Street and Swan Street in West Malling.
The scrutiny committee also voted to support a reduction in the price of a season ticket at the Aylesford car parks from £200 to £120 per year and the introduction of season ticket only bays. New parking charges in Aylesford will only go ahead once a planned expansion to the Bailey Bridge East car park has been completed.
The committee also heard that tmactive, which operates the Angel leisure centre on behalf of the council, will offer its members permits which are valid for evenings up to 8pm and Sundays when new proposed charges will apply. Parking on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day will remain free.
Responding to a proposal to consider offering one hour’s free parking in Tonbridge on Sundays, Leader of the Council Cllr Matt Boughton said that the complicated arrangements in the town, including the mix of short and long stay car parks and supermarket refund arrangements meant more information would be required to consider such a move. The committee agreed that cabinet should request more financial data on the implications to inform any decision.
The revised package of proposals will now go back to cabinet for consideration on Tuesday 30 April. Two petitions opposing some of the original proposals will also be presented to the meeting.
Cllr Martin Coffin, the cabinet member responsible for parking, said: “We’ve listened to the concerns that have been raised by both residents and councillors, and given the strength of public feeling, it’s right that we use our scrutiny process to look at the plans again. The amendments being proposed are significant and if agreed would offer more free parking at locations across the borough. I’m grateful to councillors and officers who have helped bring them forward for consideration.
“Making these changes will have consequences for the council’s future finances. We must balance our books in order to provide the services people want and that includes efficiently managed and well maintained car parks, all of which comes at a cost. Nevertheless, I consider it vital when plans prompt this level of concern, that we take those concerns seriously and show a willingness to both listen and respond accordingly.”