TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
FREE PARKING OFFER IN PIER ROAD CAR PARK FOR FIVE SATURDAYS
Purpose of the Report
To introduce an offer of free parking in Pier Road Car Park for five consecutive Saturdays.
Background
Jersey retailers who have premises within St Helier have reported a downturn in trade as a result of the current economic uncertainty which exists. A number of suggestions to try and encourage the local population to use these businesses have been made. At meetings with the Minister, representatives of town retailers have explained that they believe an offer of a period of free parking on Saturdays in car parks administered by Transport and Technical Services will increase shopping activity.
Pier Road Car Park has 741 spaces and normally has an average of 70 vehicles parked on a Saturday, which means there are 670 spaces available to support the scheme. There would be a financial loss to Transport and Technical Services which is difficult to calculate, as no comparable data for this sort of offer exists. It can be assumed that the offer of nine hours of free parking will be attractive to commuters and residents who will be drawn in from other car parks, based upon anticipated occupancy of Pier Road by these users of 55% - 65%, the value of the revenue foregone will range between £12,500 - £15,000 for the five Saturdays. Some of this lost income to the States may be off-set by increases in overall town activity and this will be monitored.
The temporary changes can be introduced under Article 68 of the Road Traffic (Jersey) Law 1956 by the placing of appropriate signage. The Road Traffic (Public Parking Places) (Jersey) Order 2006 is created under Article 59 of the Road Traffic (Jersey) Law 1956.
The Road Traffic (Public Parking Places) (Jersey) Order 2006 is administered by the Transport and Technical Services Department.
Discussion
Retail representative groups believe an offer of free parking on Saturdays may increase shopper activity in town. Offering free parking for five consecutive Saturdays at Pier Road will allow some indication of the success of such an initiative to be measured.
Recommendations
The Minister is recommended to approve the introduction of the free parking offer for five consecutive Saturdays to commence on Saturday 11 August 2012 and to instruct Officers to produce the necessary signage and to advise the public using local media and to place the statutory Gazette inserts.
Reason(s) for Decision
The offer of free parking for five consecutive Saturdays may assist local businesses within St Helier.
Resource implication
Anticipated range of revenue foregone - £12,500 - £15,000
Action Required
Officers to produce and place the appropriate advance notice signage and to advise the public using the local media.
Written by: Assistant Manager Parking Control
Approved by: Director of Transport