Agenda item

To consider this report.

KEY DECISION

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive agreed:

a.  To the adoption and implementation of the Taunton Integrated Parking Strategy set out in Appendix G, aimed at improving the town centre environment and economy, reducing demand for town centre parking and encouraging greater use of the Park and Ride and local bus services.

b.  Approved the award of a 3+2+2 year contract for park and ride services commencing on 12th February 2024, based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), as set out in confidential Appendix B.

c.  Delegated the decision to exercise the contract extension options in accordance with the terms of the contract, to the Executive Director – Climate and Place.

d.  Approved the use of surplus income from the rental of car-parking spaces to EDF energy at the Gateway Park and Ride site to assist in balancing the Council’s budget and the on-going budget challenges that the Council faces.

e.  Agreed the case for applying the exempt information provision as set out in the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A and therefore to treat the attached confidential Appendix B and Appendix F in confidence, as it contains commercially sensitive information, and as the case for the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing that information.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Lead Member for Transport and Digital, Cllr Mike Rigby, to introduce the report. 

The Lead Member for Transport and Digital, Cllr Mike Rigby, introduced the report, highlighting: that the Unitary Authority provides an opportunity to introduce more integrated parking strategies, and that the current operator of the Taunton Park and Ride service has given notice on the current contract; that a new contract is required from 12^th February 2024 to ensure continuing delivery of a Park and Ride service within the town; the work to alleviate the impact of congestion in Taunton by using Park and Rides; the Bus improvement plan impact and the introduction of an integrated parking system for Taunton.

The Strategic Manager of Highways and Transport, Mike O’Dowd-Jones, presented the report, highlighting: the complexities of the report and contract; the tender award and the proposed contract duration and the consideration of an in house.

option; surplus income from the rental of car-parking spaces to EDF energy at the Gateway Park and Ride.

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included: operational points on bus idling; the support for the report and the positive effects on urban Taunton; the opportunities to work with hospitals, airports and businesses to alleviate congestion and contribute to the economic development.

The Executive proceeded to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously.?? 

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive:??? 

a.     To the adoption and implementation of the Taunton Integrated Parking Strategy set out in Appendix G, aimed at improving the town centre environment and economy, reducing demand for town centre parking and encouraging greater use of the Park and Ride and local bus services.

b.    Approved the award of a 3+2+2 year contract for park and ride services commencing on 12th February 2024, based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), as set out in confidential Appendix B.

c.     Delegated the decision to exercise the contract extension options in accordance with the terms of the contract, to the Executive Director – Climate and Place.

d.     Approved the use of surplus income from the rental of car-parking spaces to EDF energy at the Gateway Park and Ride site to assist in balancing the Council’s budget and the on-going budget challenges that the Council faces.

e.     Agreed the case for applying the exempt information provision as set out in the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A and therefore to treat the attached confidential Appendix B and Appendix F in confidence, as it contains commercially sensitive information, and as the case for the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing that information.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report  

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report