Decision details

To undertake a trial for a period of 6 months in extending the opening hours of Mill Lane car park in the evening to help support the night time economy and address parking issues on streets surrounding the car park.

That the Cabinet Member for Operational Services confirms the decision to operate a 6 month trial of extending opening hours at Mill Lane Car Park from 19.00 to 22.00 with effect from 2^nd June 2012.

The current closure of the car park at 19.00 each evening means that it is unavailable for parking for customers of businesses that operate at these times, and in addition the lack of the car park puts pressure on residential parking in the evening on surrounding streets, especially if meetings at the council offices are being held.

Permanent evening opening – it was considered that a trial for 6 months initially was more appropriate to ascertain the impacts on the parking situation, but also to see if there was a significant rise in vandalism and other anti-social behaviour.

Car park open 24 hours a day – it was considered that this was unnecessary in relation to demand and would significantly increase the possibility of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.