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Council agree to install cashless pay and display machines at Nobles Park

Thu, 13 Jan 2022

Douglas Borough Council has elected to install cashless and contactless pay and display machines in Nobles Park.

The machines are to be installed in the motor home area, where parking will be charged at ten pounds per night, and between police headquarters and the grandstand, where one pound will be charged per 24-hours.

It was agreed that despite the proximity of disc-zoned parking, charging anything more than a nominal fee for parking, may encourage road users to park for free in nearby residential areas, potentially causing issues for the surrounding neighbourhood.

Member for the Regeneration and Community Committee, Andrew Bentley, also reminded his colleagues that the decision to establish parking control at the location was agreed last year, to provide a solution for dealing with abandoned vehicles.

Although the scheme has been met with much criticism, it is believed a nominal fee would provide sufficient evidence for the Council to enforce correct use of the space, and prevent vehicles from being abandoned for extended periods. It is hoped the scheme will also act as a deterrent to such behaviour.

Financial solutions were outlined by a report submitted to the committee by the Head of Parks, which estimated a total combined annual income from the cashless and contactless machines at £14,040, meaning that the cost of installing the machines which has been quoted at under £10,000, would be covered in their first year of use.

Mr Bentley went on to say that while the local authority, like the DOI, has the power to remove an abandoned vehicle, it’s understood the compound is often full to capacity, meaning not all sanctioned cars can be collected.

He, and Councillor Clague, were in agreement that a full analysis of the site and its’ surrounding area would be beneficial, since different aspects of the development are currently being discussed in isolation.

Ultimately, the proposal to install two cashless and contactless pay and display machines at the site was carried, with seven members voting in favour, and Councillors Bentley, Clague, and Skinner, voting against.

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