Liberal Democrat member motion

Original text

Council notes that a key thread in recent policy thinking around traffic management in our city has been the effect of the availability of parking.

However, Council recognises that its approach in this area has not delivered the outcomes residents are entitled to expect, including regular congestion around Westgate, variable income in its own facilities (alongside a considerable cost for maintenance), considerable unease about both the need for and the delivery of the proposed extension to the Seacourt Park and Ride, and decking at the ice rink sitting unused and unsightly.

Council therefore asks the Cabinet Member to:

Instruct officers to undertake an urgent and comprehensive review of all policies in relation to car parking and vehicle management in Oxford, with the aim of:

·       Minimising car use and enhancing the environment in our city

·       Maximising financial benefit to the council

Council had before it the original text of the motion proposed by Councillor Gant (set out in the agenda and briefing note) and amendments proposed by Councillor Hollingsworth (set out in the briefing note).

Councillor Hollingsworth, seconded by Councillor Turner, proposed his amendment to the text of the motion. After debate and on being put to the vote the amendment was declared carried.

Councillor Hollingsworth, seconded by Councillor Turner, proposed the amended motion.

After debate and on being put to the vote the motion as set out below was agreed.

Council resolved to adopt the following motion:

Council notes that a key thread in policy thinking around traffic management since the early 1970s in our city has been limiting the availability of parking.

Reducing commuter car parking through the implementation of Residents Parking Zones, setting planning policies to minimise and now reduce the levels of car parking in new developments, the creation of the country’s first formal park and ride system and the capping of public car parking spaces in the city centre have been and continue to be critical parts of Oxford’s planning and transport policies.

Charges for all City Council car parks have been set with the primary objective of encouraging the use of park and rides, of public transport and of active modes such as walking and cycling wherever possible.

As planning and transport policies continue to move away from the provision of parking for private cars in Oxford, the number of parking spaces will fall, and the Council’s medium and long-term financial planning reflects this reality.

Council therefore asks the Cabinet Member to:

Work with officers to continue to refine and develop transport, planning and car parking policies that

·       Continue to reduce private car use and enhance the environment of in our city

·       Continue to prepare and make provision for the financial implications of following such a policy