To consider any questions submitted by Members.  (The deadline for questions is 4.30 pm on the Monday the week before the meeting – please contact Democratic Services by e-mailing democraticservices@swale.gov.uk or call 01795 417330).

The Mayor advised that two questions had been received from Members.

Question 1 – Councillor Mike Whiting

Could the Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee confirm the current implementation status of the new car parking charges agreed in November, including whether they have gone live as of this morning (1 April), and whether all associated payment machines, signage, and bay markings are fully installed and operational at the Library and Park Road car parks in Queenborough, and the Halfway and Little Oyster car parks on the Isle of Sheppey?

Could the Chair also set out the installation costs for these four car parks and advise whether any amendments have been made to enforcement officers’ rotas to ensure effective enforcement of the new charging arrangements?

Response – Chair of Environmental Services and Climate Change Committee

The parking operations team have surveyed each of the 6 sites since the committee decision and are undertaking the final preparations for the charges going live. At the time of drafting this response the intention was to go live throughout the day on the 1st April 2026, subject to any final equipment being delivered/installed on time.

The total estimated costs (subject to final invoices) for these 4 car parks will be £24,965.

Each car park required different elements which are summarised below;

As Members will be aware and as was stated in the January committee report, no additional enforcement hours have been added to the Civil enforcement contract. This remains at 15,000 deployed hours which will be spread across all of our on and off street locations. Rotas already change weekly depending on the time of the year and reacting to reported issues to amend inappropriate parking behaviour.

Supplementary Question:

There was no supplementary question.

Question 2 – Councillor Tom Nundy

Can the Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee confirm how many PCNs have been issued at the Shingle Bank since parking charges were introduced, what actions are planned to address non‑paying caravans on the site, and how the enforcement workforce is being increased to manage the additional charged locations introduced this year?

Response – Chair of Environmental Services and Climate Change Committee

A total of 32 penalty charge notices have been issued at the Shingle bank since introduction of the charges in July 2025 which has largely regulated activity and generated some income for the Council from the overnight fees.

Council officers from a range of teams have engaged and supported individuals that were residing in caravans on the shingle bank. This number has reduced over time and whilst occupants were engaging with housing support teams, it was not felt proportionate to undertake enforcement.

There are currently two caravans left in situ (one a very recent arrival). It would not be suitable to talk in detail about individual cases. However, we have taken enforcement action under section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act (ultimately a direction to leave) on both. Should this not be adhered to then a section 78 will be issued which requires removal of the vehicle unlawfully on the land. 

There are no current plans for additional civil enforcement resource for the new parking charges implemented this financial year. This remains at 15,000 deployed hours which will be spread across all of our ‘on and off’ street locations. Rotas already change weekly depending on the time of the year and reacting to reported issues to amend inappropriate parking behaviour.

Supplementary Question:

There was no supplementary question.