Introducing charges to free car parks Rural Needs Assessment
Introducing charges to free car parks, Rural Needs Assessment
SECTION 1 -
Defining the activity subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016
1A. Name of Public Authority.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
1B. Please provide a short title which describes the activity being undertaken by the Public Authority that is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016.
Introducing car parking charges at several car parks in Ballycastle and Portrush which include;
• West Strand car park – Portrush
• Sea Front car park Ballycastle
• Harbour/Ferry Terminal car park - Ballycastle
1C. Please indicate which category the activity specified in Section 1B above relates to.
Delivering a public service
1D. Please provide the official title (if any) of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service document or initiative relating to the category indicated in Section 1C above.
Introducing car parking charges at several car parks in Ballycastle and Portrush.
1E. Please provide details of the aims and/or objectives of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service.
This is a revenue raising opportunity for Council and will also assist in mitigating the disparity in free to charge ratio which exists in other urban and rural towns across the Borough.
This is in line with the CC&GBC car parking strategy 2017 – 2027.
1F. What definition of ‘rural’ is the Public Authority using in respect of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service?
Population Settlements of less than 5,000 (Default definition).
Details of alternative definition of ‘rural’ used. N/A
Rationale for using alternative definition of ‘rural’. N/A
Reasons why a definition of ‘rural’ is not applicable. N/A
SECTION 2 -
Understanding the impact of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service
2A. Is the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service likely to impact on people in rural areas?
Yes If the response is NO GO TO Section 2E.
2B. Please explain how the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to impact on people in rural areas.
People in rural areas will face increased costs if they wish to use one of these car parks or may have further to walk from the free car parks.
There is potential that people may be discouraged from using the toilet facilities in certain car parks due to the new parking charges.
2C. If the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to impact on people in rural areas differently from people in urban areas, please explain how it is likely to impact on people in rural areas differently.
People in rural areas may have travelled further to reach their destination and may take longer to carry out their shopping activities and if they chose to park in a charged car park will incur the appropriate tariff.
This may particularly impact upon Rathlin Island residents who have historically parked in this car park for free.
In addition, this may encourage drivers to revert to public transport.
2D. Please indicate which of the following rural policy areas the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to primarily impact on.
Rural Business,Tourism, transport services or infrastructure, poverty, and deprivation in rural areas.
2E. Please explain why the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is NOT likely to impact on people in rural areas.
N/A
SECTION 3 -
Identifying the Social and Economic Needs of Persons in Rural Areas
3A. Has the Public Authority taken steps to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas that are relevant to the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service?
No If the response is NO GO TO Section 3E.
3B. Please indicate which of the following methods or information sources were used by the Public Authority to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas.
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3C. Please provide details of the methods and information sources used to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas including relevant dates, names of organisations, titles of publications, website references, details of surveys or consultations undertaken etc.
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3D. Please provide details of the social and economic needs of people in rural areas which have been identified by the Public Authority?
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If the response to Section 3A was YES GO TO Section 4A.
3E. Please explain why no steps were taken by the Public Authority to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas?
This was an elected members decision to introduce charging in these car parks and will also assist in mitigating the disparity in free to charge ratio which exists in other rural towns across the Borough.
As elected representatives the Councillors are delegated spokespeople for the community.
SECTION 4 -
Considering the Social and Economic Needs of Persons in Rural Areas
4A. Please provide details of the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas.
As a result of the introduction of charges drivers may opt to park in on-street residential areas which may create an issue for residents who live in close proximity of the car park.
Businesses in close proximity of the charged car parks may be impacted due to people parking elsewhere. Staff working in businesses who historically parked in the previously free car park may now park further away to avoid charges.
SECTION 5 -
Influencing the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service
5A. Has the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or delivery of the Public Service, been influenced by the rural needs identified?
Yes If the response is NO GO TO Section 5C.
5B. Please explain how the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or delivery of the Public Service, has been influenced by the rural needs identified.
Free car parking is still available in Ballycastle for drivers to park in all day and people will be inform of this.
Free on-street DfI parking bays are available for a limited period to enable drivers to carry out shopping activities.
Council events historically based in these car parks will continue thereby continuing to support local businesses.
The decision to implement charging will be reviewed after a period of one year.
5C. Please explain why the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or the delivery of the Public Service, has NOT been influenced by the rural needs identified.
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SECTION 6 -
Documenting and Recording
6A. Please tick below to confirm that the RNIA Template will be retained by the Public Authority and relevant information on the Section 1 activity compiled in accordance with paragraph 6.7 of the guidance.
I confirm that the RNIA Template will be retained and relevant information compiled.
Rural Needs Impact Assessment undertaken by: Car Parks/Concessionary Trading Manager
Division/Branch Environmental Services
Date: 4 March 2024
Rural Needs Impact Assessment approved by: #
Division/Branch #
Date: #