Why have we stalled over car parks?

QUESTIONS . . . Councillor Hibbert

A LABOUR councillor has questioned why Oldham’s car parks have been allowed to deteriorate into such a state that some may close.

As revealed by the Chronicle, Oldham Council needs to find £250,000 to bring car parks up to scratch or some may have to shut for safety reasons.

Labour’s regeneration spokesman, Councillor Dave Hibbert, is demanding to know why a portion of the millions raised in parking fees and fines hasn’t gone into maintenance.

The council has a joint venture company with NSL Ltd for managing parking with the firm receiving around £1.3 million a year for handing out parking fines and bailiff services while the council has collected £800,000 a year.

But a backlog of unbudgeted work means £250,000 is needed to bring all the car parks up to an adequate standard, with £40,000 a year then needed to maintain them.

Councillor Hibbert calculates that NSL has received £7.8 million over the last six years and the council £4.8 million.

He said: “That is a staggering total of £12.6 million and with no budget heading provided for maintenance to an adequate standard.”

A new nine-year contract will earn NSL £11.7 million and the council £7.2 million making a total overall income of £31.5 million.

Mr Hibbert wants to know:

::How much is being paid and received in car parking charges.

::Why there is no budget for the necessary repairs and what the policy is regarding the timing of repairs and maintenance.

::What severity of damage is required to activate the repair process.

::How many compensation claims, in respect of car parks, highways and pavements, have been submitted during the last year and the nature and financial impact of them.

::How many, and which, of the council’s car parks are in a dangerous condition.

::What the administration intends to do in order to avoid the unacceptable situation arising again.






A Council overview and scrutiny committee has reviewed the management of parking facilities and met last night to discuss it.



It has drawn up several recommendations, including finding the money from the capital and revenue budget to bring all car parks up to an adequate standard.

It also wants a review of parking provision, signs to car parks and pricing, more customer-friendly payment methods and a web page to renew permits and pay fines.