Issue - meetings

To receive an update report on the progress and opportunities that arise from the development of the National Parking Platform (NPP).

The Committee received an update on the progress and opportunities that arise from development of the National Parking Platform (NPP). The NPP was intended to transform payment for car parking by creating a joined-up market that was simple to use.

The Council joined the NPP pilot expansion project which in turn meant that the council incorporated current national parking platform evidential learning in practices into any future car park charging strategy.

The Council was an associate member which meant that it could keep up to date with any of the changes with the NPP. Until the ‘platform’ was fully proven and ready for wider adoption the Council wished to retain its associate membership of the NPP. When the NPP had a fully functional offer, the council would review the benefits of full membership.

Members were informed that the commission charge was under full control of the parking operator and not the Council for anyone who signed up to the NPP. In addition, there may also be transactional processing charges for the Council that would be in the region of £23,000 or two pence per transaction added on to the normal convenience fee, added on to the parking charge for the actual service user themselves.

The Council already had a very keenly priced mobile payment solution through Ringo. Ringo were already signed up to the NPP, but the Council had a convenience fee set for its motorists at 7 pence whereas with the NPP the Council did not get to set the end limit that the user had to pay and that could be anything from 10 pence to 25 pence over and above the parking fee.

Members agreed that maintaining associate membership showed the Council's intent while allowing for a cautious approach until the NPP was fully functional.

RESOLVED: That the Highways and Transport Committee

1.    Note the contents of the report in particular the choice to retain associate membership of the National Parking Platform (NPP) until the ‘platform’ is fully proven and ready for wider adoption. When the NPP has a fully functional offer, the council will review the benefits of full membership.

2.    Note that the parking service will complete procurement of a best value mobile payment app solution (payment option) to ensure continuity of services and offer a competitive facility to service users.

3.    Note that further updates to keep Committee advised on future developments will be circulated by the Members Hub.