To be moved by Councillor Kyle Green

Seconded by Councillor Debbie Davies

Council notes that:

• Virtual permits are more environmentally friendly than physical permits

• Virtual permits provide a cost saving for the council compared to physical permits

• Not all residents of (or visitors to) parking permit areas run by Bradford Council have access to the internet or the capability to use the internet which would stop them successfully using virtual permits 

• The majority of those who are unable to use the internet are likely to be those who are most likely to suffer from social isolation and require visitors. As well as this a recent ONS survey found that there are still many adults aged 55 years and over who have not used the internet in the last three months which could mean virtual only permits are in breach of the 2010 Equality Act.

This Council resolves to

• continue to use virtual permits and encourage the use of them where possible

·         make available the use of physical parking permits where there are those who feel unable to use virtual permits.

Resolved –

Council notes that:

• Applications for residential parking permits have been online for a number of years without issue, similar to the government’s provision of vehicle tax.
• More and more local authorities have moved to or are moving to virtual permits.
• Virtual permits provide a number of benefits over traditional paper permits:
  • Reduced penalty charge notices issued for failure to display permit, as residents no longer have to remember to display their permit
  • No charges for replacing lost or damaged permits
  • No forged permits
  • Reduced use of paper
  • More effective enforcement as number plates can be scanned by mobile enforcement to identify streets with larger numbers of non-permit cars
  • Reminders will be sent prior to the expiry of all permits – a feature which has long been requested by residents.
• As with the online application process, residents with no internet access will be able to ring Parking Services to apply for a permit, update their details, add on visitors or get additional support. The use of virtual permits should represent no barrier for residents without access to the internet.

This Council resolves to:

• Continue the planned introduction of virtual permits.

·         Ensure local councillors are briefed on the changes ahead of the roll-out, and residents are provided with all the necessary information and support to make the transition to virtual permits as easy as possible.

ACTION:       Strategic Director Place

A motion was moved by Councillor Kyle Green.

An amendment moved by Councillor Ross-Shaw, as set out in the resolution below, was carried.

Resolved –

Council notes that:

• Applications for residential parking permits have been online for a number of years without issue, similar to the government’s provision of vehicle tax.
• More and more local authorities have moved to or are moving to virtual permits.
• Virtual permits provide a number of benefits over traditional paper permits:
  • Reduced penalty charge notices issued for failure to display permit, as residents no longer have to remember to display their permit
  • No charges for replacing lost or damaged permits
  • No forged permits
  • Reduced use of paper
  • More effective enforcement as number plates can be scanned by mobile enforcement to identify streets with larger numbers of non-permit cars
  • Reminders will be sent prior to the expiry of all permits – a feature which has long been requested by residents.
• As with the online application process, residents with no internet access will be able to ring Parking Services to apply for a permit, update their details, add on visitors or get additional support. The use of virtual permits should represent no barrier for residents without access to the internet.

This Council resolves to:

• Continue the planned introduction of virtual permits.

·         Ensure local councillors are briefed on the changes ahead of the roll-out, and residents are provided with all the necessary information and support to make the transition to virtual permits as easy as possible.

ACTION:       Strategic Director Place