I wanted to update you on the latest news I have about the University-Hospital parking study.
I, along with Cllr Goodall attended a meeting of the steering group yesterday where the following information was made public:-
There were 376 responses to the RBC transport survey: a response rate of 10%.
Therefore, although a relatively high response to a Council transport consultation the views expressed do not reflect the majority of residents living in the area.
92% of respondents were ‘permanent’ residents, 2% were ‘temporary’ residents and 6% were not residents in the area.
47% of the respondents were customers in local shops.
The main frequent travel destination (other than work) was Central Reading as highlighted by 34% of all of the respondents.
9% of all of the respondents travel to London for purposes other than work.
52% of all of the respondents utilised on-street parking within the area.
45% of all of the respondents utilised off-street residential parking within the area.
The most popular bus service was 9/144 as highlighted by 31% of all of the respondents.
Main issue highlighted by 65% of all of the respondents related to on-street parking congestion.
47% of all of the respondents selected ‘Other’.
The responses of the 47% that selected ‘Other’ of these responses, 37% highlighted parking as an issue.
122 respondents provided their contact details and indicated that they would like to be part of a neighbourhood working group.
RBC will now be setting up resident and stakeholder workshops to start to scope the sort of solutions that residents would like to see put into action.
RBC will also be organising an open public meeting to explore possible solutions to transport problem.
I will let you know when a date has been agreed.
Officers have also been meeting with the hospital and university to talk with them about how they might contribute to solving some of the issues identified by residents.
This is something we urged officers to do some time ago and we are glad these discussions are continuing.
Points to note
So far there has been very little details what any possible schemes might look like or what options they could include.
There was a discussion last night about what it might include - however, due to the Council's protocols I am unable to publish further details.
However, I would encourage residents to keep a close eye on this study as it develops - particularly if they are opposed to the introduction of pay and display/parking meters - something the Lib Dems have long been opposed to in residential areas such as this.
Last night I asked officers if introducing parking meters in the University were part of the Labour administration's plans.
The Labour administration is keen to progress the study and proposals via public meeting/workshops - all part of their 'new approach to consultation', apparently.
To have credibility there must be maximum public involvement as part of this study.
While these are good in principle, I am concerned that not all residents will get to hear about the plans to take part so I have requested that the Council takes advantage of online consultation tools as well.
Any future proposals must not not be forced on residents without their prior consent.
We do not want another Shinfield Road!
We will continue to campaign for maximum public involvement before any decisions are taken or schemes are progressed.