ITEM NO: C2a APPENDIX 1

Background Information

Approximately 3600 flats and houses were built in in the five year period up to March 2006. About 80% of these were flats. Some 25% of these flats and houses were in the city centre, where the on-street parking facilities are available to everyone on a "Pay and Display" basis. Outside the central area, only about 10% of the city falls within residents' parking zones. So, out of the 3600 properties in all, it is estimated that only about 270 (or 7.5%) will have been within residents' parking zones and affected by the policy outlined in the report. Only in a few (probably less than 20) of these cases have difficulties come to light. In general, there is no question of anyone losing the right to a permit, although officers are currently seeking to resolve a situation at one particular development where permits have been issued in error.

There are currently 13 schemes funded by the City Council and these cover the following areas:- Polygon Area Woolston North Woolston South Newtown/ Town Coxford (General Hospital) Shirley University Area (5 zones) These schemes operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and, in some cases, at other times as well. In addition, there are three further schemes at Manor, Itchen and Northam that only operate during football matches or other major events at St Mary’s Stadium. These are funded by Southampton Football Club. Within all these schemes, parking bays are marked on the road for permit holders, often allowing short-stay parking by other users as well. Three main types of permit are available, as follows:- Residents' Permits -- these are for residents' own vehicles and a limit of two per household normally applies (although three may be issued in exceptional circumstances). In most schemes residents with off-street parking do not qualify. There is a basic limit of only one permit per household in the Polygon Zone because of the pressure for parking space in that area. First permits are currently free in all the schemes but a charge of £52.50 per year applies to the second permit per household (except in the schemes funded by the foofball club).

Visitors' Permits -- these are daily permits for residents' visitors and a limit of 60 days' worth per household per year applies (or 20 days' worth in the part-time schemes funded by Southampton Football Club). These are issued free of charge.

Business Permits -- these are for vehicles used in the running of a business which has no off-street parking (they are not for commuter parking). There is a limit of two permits per business and a charge of £262.50 per year for each of them. Temporary business permits may be issued where work is being carried out on residential properties.

The cost to a developer of entering into a Section 106 Agreement with the Council covering any single issue (such as parking permits) is about £1300.