Consultation to explore how parking and traffic management can support thriving town centres

Residents, businesses and visitors will be invited to give their views about how thriving town centres can be supported through parking and enforcement of existing traffic powers.

The council’s Cabinet meeting on 4 November has approved consultation about a new parking strategy following an independent review of parking across the borough, and how it can best use its existing Moving Traffic Enforcement powers.

The review of 39 Council owned off street carparks identified locations where parking demand is particularly high and where long stays can reduce the availability of spaces for other users.

The report sought permission to prepare proposed tariffs, operating hours, concessions, payment arrangements and a draft off-street parking places order, and to carry out the statutory consultation.

The consultation will test whether different approaches to parking management could help improve turnover and availability.

Further information about how to have your say will follow.

Enforcement of existing Moving Traffic Enforcement powers will improve road safety and traffic management through:

• Improved compliance with traffic restrictions.
• Reduce congestion and delays.
• Improve traffic flow.
• Improve bus journey reliability.
• Create safer conditions for pedestrians.
• Support cyclists and people using mobility aids.
• Help reduce avoidable vehicle emissions.
• Allow Greater Manchester Police to focus on other priorities.

The purpose of moving traffic enforcement is to improve road safety, accessibility and traffic flow. The council already holds these powers, but no decision has been made to use them. We will be consulting on a proposed approach, and any future enforcement would need to be supported by evidence of a genuine road safety or network management issue.

We're focusing on locations where there is evidence of a genuine road safety or traffic management issue.

Enforcement would only be considered where there is evidence of a problem and before any is introduced the council will:

• Confirm restrictions and traffic orders.
• Check signage and road markings.
• Assess collision data.
• Assess congestion issues.
• Assess compliance problems.
• Assess impacts on public transport.
• Define the specific outcome it is trying to achieve.

No decisions have been made, and a further report will be presented to the Cabinet once local views have been sort.

The consultation will form part of making sure parking continues to support vibrant town centres, local businesses and community facilities while making the best use of available spaces.

The aim is to understand how parking can best support local shops, businesses, services and community facilities.

Councillor Lucy Smith, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Operations said: "Parking sufficiency plays an important role in supporting our town centres, local businesses and community life.

"As our town centres continue to evolve and benefit from investment, it is important that we understand how parking sufficiency can best meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors both now and in the future.

“We want to understand how high parking demand and where long stays can reduce the availability of spaces for other users, could restrict the benefits of our regeneration plans.

"We want to hear from the people who use these car parks, the businesses that rely on them and the communities they serve before any future decisions are considered.

“We also want to hear from people about our resident’s only parking schemes. Residents' parking scheme can improve the quality of life in neighbourhoods by prioritising parking for those who live there and reducing pressure from often more inconsiderate on street parking.

“We are committed to working with residents and stakeholders to understand local issues and use this feedback to inform and shape future parking proposals and improvements.

"This consultation is about listening to local views and understanding how parking can support thriving and accessible town centres across the borough."