As beautiful as Christchurch is, it as with many towns has a parking problem,
this some would say has been made worse by the 'decriminalised parking
enforcement' introduced on the 3rd March 2003 by the Borough Council. In
explanation I reproduce here the text from the Council' leaflet issued
in anticipation of the changes for the information of all.
Decriminalised Parking Enforcement, from the 3rd March 2003 Christchurch
Borough Council is to take over responsibility from Dorset Police for the
enforcement of parking regulations in the Borough. What will this mean
to you?
Decriminalised Parking Enforcement is new to Christchurch. It is a Government
initiative that will allow the police to put more money into fighting crime.
The whole of the Borough of Christchurch is to become a 'Special Parking
Area' (SPA). In addition to car parks the Council will also be responsible
for ensuring all parking, waiting and loading restrictions within the Borough
are abided by. The new system will be enforced by Parking Attendants (PAs)
who are employed by the Council, taking over the work previously undertaken
by traffic wardens for Dorset Police.
Traffic congestion is a growing problem throughout the Borough, particularly
in the town centre, and that concerns many residents who contact the Council.
Dangerous and illegal parking exaggerates the problem. Just one illegally
parked car can quickly causes jams and tailbacks. Parking restrictions
are introduced for good reasons and whilst they may be an inconvenience
to some, ignoring them almost always creates a safety hazard or nuisance
for others. Better enforcement will help to reduce these problems and is
intended to benefit all residents. visitors and businesses.
It is hoped that the benefits of better enforcement will be to:
encourage safe parking, keep the roads clearer, reduce congestion, improve
road and pedestrian safety and improve turnover of available parking spaces.
The Parking Attendants will look out for motorists who ignore parking restrictions. There are a number of different restrictions you will come across in the Borough where you could receive a ticket (Penalty Charge Notice - PCN) resulting in a fine, these are:
Parking on yellow lines: double at all times and single within the stated
restricted times. This includes the pavement and verges. Parking in bays
reserved for disabled persons, loading and unloading bays and taxi ranks.
Parking in bays reserved for residents with permits. Overstaying in time-limited
bays including bus stops. Failing to pay, paying insufficient fees or parking
outside marked bays in pay and display car parks.
Parking restrictions apply to all motor vehicles, including motorcycles.
The police will still remain responsible for endorsable offences such as
obstructions, speeding and dangerous driving.
There are 4,000 dedicated off-street pay and display parking spaces throughout
the Borough. You can park on streets where no restrictions apply but not
on footpaths or verges. In the town centre there are 1,008 parking spaces.
A further 447 are available only a short walk down Bridge Street at 2 Riversmeet
and the Civic Offices and another 203 at Mayor's Mead, Willow Way and the
Quay. At Saxon Square car park there is a 20p tariff for a 30 minute stay
for those requiring only a quick visit. There are 44 dedicated pay and
display spaces in town centre car parks for disabled persons and a dedicated
area is available on the High Street by Natwest Bank. Restrictions for
Blue/Orange badge holders remain the same.
If you get a ticket. You will only receive a ticket if you park where you
shouldn't. If you get a PCN, do not ignore it! Contact the office below
or call into the Civic Offices. There will be a single charge for all contraventions,
whether in car parks or on-street, set in compliance with Government guidelines
of £60 or £30 if paid within 14 days. There is an appeals system. Money
raised by DPE will be used to finance the scheme and for transport improvements.
More information is available by calling 01202 495065 or 01202 495081 or www.christchurch.gov.uk
