What you need to know and do.

Introduction

At the end of 2005, and following nearly two years of consultation, changes were approved to the residents parking scheme that affected both new and existing residents. These came into effect on 3 April 2006, but have since been reviewed in response to residents' comments.

Vehicle Permits

New Residents – Since 24 July 2006, new residents have been able to apply for up to two permits per household in the relevant zone.

Existing Residents – If you are an existing resident who already holds a third permit (i.e. one more than the new limit), you will be able to continue to apply for this additional permit up to an expiry date of 3 April 2009, providing you remain at the same address. After 3 April 2009, you will only be able to purchase the maximum number permitted at that time.

Cost of Residents Permits - All Zones

Visitors' Scratch Card Permits

Under the revised scheme the allowance remains at two books of All Day and two books of four-hour permits per household, per year. This entitlement commenced on 3 April 2006. The new style permits are only valid for one year from date of issue. Any old style permits you hold have now expired and can no longer be used.

Parking Restrictions in Back Roads

Double yellow lines will be introduced into some back road areas to enable residents to gain access to their garages and hard standings. These lines will be enforceable and it is hoped that parked vehicles will cease to obstruct rear access routes.

Limited Waiting Areas

Some of the ‘Limited Waiting’ parking areas within the Resident zones will be changed to ‘dual use’ areas, allowing Resident Permit holders to park there free of time restrictions.

On-Street Pay and Display in Zone A (Crombey Street)

In some areas of this zone, there will be some P & D bays introduced which will enable non-residents to pay to park for short periods of time. The charges will be 50p for 20 minutes, £1 for 40 minutes and £1.50 for 1 hour, with no return within 1 hour, between the hours of 9.00am and 6.00pm Monday to Saturday. Holders of Resident Parking permits will be able to park in these bays at any time without paying these charges.

Operational Users (e.g. carers, landlords etc)

One-hour permits costing £1-10 each will be available for purchase by commercial and healthcare users needing to park in residential zones. Multiple permits could be utilised together to allow for longer parking periods. These permits are obtainable from Parking Administration Wat Tyler House, Euclid Street Swindon.

New Central Zone

The Residents Parking Scheme now includes a new 'central' zone within the town centre. This enables residents not included in the existing zones and living within this area, to purchase a permit to park at any time in the town centre long stay car parks (£625 per year), or park between 6.00pm and 9.00am only (£150 per year).

Overnight Car Park parking

The holder of a Residents’ Parking permit purchasing an overnight car park ticket in a car park adjoining their zone, which would normally be valid between 6.00pm and 6.00am, can now park until 9.00am, for no additional payment.

Frequently asked Questions about Residents Parking

1. Is Residents' Parking and the penalty charges collected within the Zones just another means of income for the Council?

Absolutely Not. The income from permits and penalty charge notices goes towards off setting the management cost of residents parking. This includes the production of visitor permits and passcards and also the enforcement and administration of the scheme. Income from permits and penalty charges also provides support from other departments within the Council who handle the legislation and engineering aspects of any change to the residents parking infrastructure.

Legislation dictates how income from residents parking shall be managed and in the case of any surplus arising, how it can be spent.

2. What was the budget for Residents Parking in 2005/06 and 2006/07?

The income from permits in 2005/06 was budgeted at £116,100 with the actual sum received being £114,059. In the same financial year income from penalty charge notices within residents parking zones realised £113,383, giving a total 'residents parking' income of £227,442. The Council’s costs for managing Residents Parking in 2005/06 was set at £418,600, which includes not only permit costs, but also administration of the scheme and enforcement. The budgeted income for 2006/07 has increased to £336,900, but costs have also risen to £470,000.

3. What do the 3 Permit Schemes currently cost?

4. Planning Legislation

Since 2000 the Borough Council has been subject to central government planning policy guidance, that influences the level of off street parking provision within new developments.

On 12 December 2006, the Council’s Planning Committee endorsed for consultation a Supplementary Planning Document in respect of new parking standards for development within the Borough. This document specifically includes reference to parking standards. If adopted it will govern parking provision requirements for various types of development in Swindon, including those in Residents Parking zones.

5. Personal Details

The potential for problems of names and addresses on permits is recognised and this is being addressed.

6. What will happen with the results of the survey?

The information collated will also be used to identify any priorities for change in the way that the authority manages Residents Parking and how these can be implemented quickly and effectively. Findings from the survey will play a key role in preparing a comprehensive report to the Borough Council Cabinet reviewing residents and on-street parking in the central areas of the town.