That the new Parking Strategy for Herefordshire is adopted by cabinet

Councillor Durkin cabinet member for roads and regulatory services introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member presented the Herefordshire Parking Strategy 2026-2041, noting that parking plays a vital role in supporting access to town centres, businesses, schools, healthcare services, workplaces and tourist destinations across the county. The strategy was developed to provide a clear long-term framework for parking policy and decision-making, replacing the previous piecemeal approach.

Members heard that extensive public consultation had been undertaken, including online engagement, social media campaigns and stakeholder communications, which generated approximately 500 responses. Feedback highlighted priorities including safer streets, improved provision for disabled users, better parking management around schools and junctions, proportionate enforcement and more user-friendly services. These themes have informed both the strategy and its associated delivery plan.

Particular recognition was given to council officers for developing the strategy in-house. The Cabinet Member noted that the document had been produced by Herefordshire Council staff who understand local communities and had carefully considered feedback from residents, businesses, workers, parish councils, Members and visitors.

The strategy promotes a positive approach to parking, emphasising education, communication and partnership working alongside targeted enforcement where necessary to protect safety, accessibility and fairness. Members were advised that the strategy is intended to support communities, economic growth, accessibility and sustainable transport choices, while ensuring parking continues to contribute positively to life in Herefordshire.

Cabinet was invited to support the strategy as a modern, evidence-led framework to guide future parking decisions across the county.

Comments from cabinet members:

A member welcomed the Parking Strategy and placed on record their appreciation for the work undertaken by council officers in developing the document in-house. Particular thanks were expressed to the lead officer for producing a high-quality strategy, with members noting that this approach had delivered a significant cost saving by avoiding the need for external consultants. Full support for the strategy was expressed.

A member welcomed the Parking Strategy, noting its balanced approach to parking management. While recognising that enforcement remains an important element of the strategy, it was highlighted that the emphasis is on encouraging safe and responsible parking behaviour through education, communication and engagement, with enforcement used where necessary.

The important role of Civil Enforcement Officers was also acknowledged. Members noted that these officers act not only in an enforcement capacity but are often the public-facing representatives of the council, providing assistance and information to residents and visitors. Concern was expressed regarding incidents of abuse directed towards enforcement staff, and it was emphasised that such behaviour is unacceptable. The importance of supporting staff and ensuring appropriate action is taken where incidents occur was highlighted.  Overall, the strategy was warmly welcomed.

A member commended the Parking Strategy, recognising it as a balanced and proportionate document that provides choice while supporting the needs of residents, businesses and visitors. It was noted that the strategy represented an important and much-needed piece of work, and congratulations were extended to the Cabinet Member and the officers involved in its development. Support for the recommendations was expressed.

Group Leaders were invited to offer their views:

The Green Group Leader outlined the views of their group and raised that:

Welcomed the development of the Parking Strategy but highlighted a number of areas where further improvements could be considered. It was suggested that the strategy should place greater emphasis on influencing travel behaviour and supporting modal shift, rather than primarily responding to parking demand.

Stronger alignment with the objectives of the Local Transport Plan, particularly in relation to carbon reduction and active travel was encouraged.

The potential role of workplace travel planning, park and choose facilities, and park and ride provision in reducing congestion and supporting sustainable travel was emphasised. It was suggested that these initiatives should be developed further and progressed at pace to encourage alternatives to car travel, particularly for journeys into Hereford.

It was highlighted the need for greater clarity regarding the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including a clear implementation timetable and assurance that rural communities and market towns would benefit alongside Hereford city. It was noted that improved charging infrastructure would be important in supporting residents to transition to electric vehicles.

Further opportunities were identified to integrate renewable energy generation within council car parks, including the use of solar canopies to provide vehicle charging, generate electricity and offer shade for users. It was noted that such measures could contribute to both sustainability and climate adaptation objectives.

The representative for Independents for Herefordshire outlined the views of their group and raised that:

The strategy’s strong focus on safety, noting that public consultation responses had highlighted safety and appropriate enforcement as key priorities was welcomed. However, it was observed that there can be tension between calls for stronger enforcement and concerns about the extent of enforcement measures, and members sought reassurance that the strategy strikes the right balance between education, engagement and enforcement.

The importance of Civil Enforcement Officers as both ambassadors for the council and officers responsible for ensuring compliance with parking restrictions was reiterated. It was noted that the balance between these roles should be clearly understood within the delivery of the strategy.

Support was expressed for the further consideration of park and ride proposals, with a request that this work be progressed as soon as practicable. It was acknowledged that such schemes may not be suitable in all locations but considered that further investigation would be beneficial.

Concerns were also raised regarding future parking provision should existing parking facilities be redeveloped, and it was suggested that reviews of parking capacity and alternative provision should be undertaken in a timely manner to support future planning decisions.

The Liberal Democrat Group Leader outlined the views of their group and raised that:

A member expressed reservations about the practicality of introducing a park and ride scheme in Hereford, noting that successful schemes elsewhere often depend on supporting infrastructure, such as ring roads and high-frequency bus services. Reference was made to experiences in other areas where park and ride schemes have required significant public subsidy and, in some cases, have not proved viable.

It was suggested that Hereford’s road network and travel patterns present particular challenges for the operation of a cost-effective park and ride service. However, it was noted that improved transport infrastructure could increase the feasibility of such schemes in the future, although they would likely continue to require substantial investment and ongoing support.

The True Independents Leader outlined the views of their group and raised that:

Not present.

In response to the comments made:

The Cabinet Member responded to points raised during the debate and emphasised that the Parking Strategy provides a strategic framework, with specific proposals and interventions to be considered and developed through future work programmes and consultation.

Members were advised that options such as park and ride would be subject to further assessment and public consultation to ensure they are both practical and financially viable. The importance of working with partners in developing and delivering any future schemes was highlighted.

The Cabinet Member welcomed the contributions made by members and thanked officers for producing a comprehensive and high-quality strategy.

It was noted that the council’s approach to parking management would continue to follow the principles of informing, educating and enforcing, with a focus on encouraging compliance and promoting safer parking behaviour. The importance of supporting Civil Enforcement Officers and strengthening working relationships with the police to address incidents of abuse towards staff was also emphasised.

Members were assured that comments received through consultation, scrutiny and the debate would be taken into account as the strategy is implemented. It was confirmed that the strategy aligns with wider transport and planning policies, including the Local Transport Plan, and that further work on matters such as park and ride, parking provision and infrastructure improvements would be brought forward in due course.

The Deputy Leader of the Council concluded the discussions. Cllr Durkin proposed the recommendations, the Deputy Leader seconded. The Deputy Leader directed that the decision to be put before Cabinet is:

That:

a)    That the new Parking Strategy for Herefordshire is adopted by cabinet;

b)    Delegated authority be given to the Chief Operating Officer for Economy and Environment in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services to take all operational decisions to implement the Parking Strategy and its delivery plan.

The recommendations were unanimously approved.