Can I park here?

[Wee Bold Davy]

Having just bought our first motorhome in June this year (after two years of doing our homework on here) we set off on our first trip, ten nights touring Gloucestershire, Somerset and Dorset. We had booked 3 nights at The Old Oaks near Glastonbury. On our last evening we decided that having consulted MMM's booklet, places to park your motorhome, we decided to visit nearby Wells as there was a large market on the next day. We decided that the Union Street car park would be perfect and we would be there early as I was slightly nervous about parking our 'van in a car park for the first time

There was a handful of cars there when we arrived. We drove around to see if there was a space with an overhang where I could park our 5.99m 'van. There wasn't so I parked within a space with my tail overhanging the space behind. I went to the machine and bought two tickets and displayed both tickets ....... only to have one disappear down behind the dash never to be seen again so off I went and bought a third ticket which I placed on the dash with a small clip.

While walking away I saw a 'parking attendant' leaning over the windscreen of a car. I approached him from behind and said to him, ' Excuse me I've parked my 'van over there using two spaces but I have bought two tickets. Can I park here? Is that OK?' All the time I was speaking to him he was pointing frantically to his hat. On his hat it said the words SALVATION ARMY Never been so embarrassed will never forget it.

Three hours later we came back to the 'van and climbed aboard. While setting the satnav there was a tap on the window. I opened the window and the lady there said, 'Do you think you could move forward a bit as your taking up two spaces?' I explained to her that I had bought two (three) tickets but I would be leaving in a few minutes.

I now carry a laminated sign saying that I have bought two tickets which I display in such situations.
I fear someone vandalizing the 'van. Anyone had any problems in that regard?

 

[DBK]

May be wrong here but I think you might have got a ticket as the rules normally say you have to park within the lines. The logic is by using up two bays you are denying someone else a parking space. Of course individual councils may view things differently.

 

[Riverbankannie]

We’ve never had a problem parking even with 6.3m. Sometimes it’s easier on streets without parking bays.
However, I can help with the disappearing ticket (or in our case Swiss vignette) down the bottom of the windscreen.
Take one cheap plastic fly swat.
Cover the end with a piece of duct tape sticky side out.
Secure this piece of tape with another strip wrapped around sideways sticky side down.
Fish around in the gap!

 

[Wee Bold Davy]

May be wrong here but I think you might have got a ticket as the rules normally say you have to park within the lines. The logic is by using up two bays you are denying someone else a parking space. Of course individual councils may view things differently.

Thankfully I never got a ticket, may have been cheaper though

 

[GJH]

The rules concerning use of multiple spaces vary between councils. Even where the rule is one space only there can be variations - in some cases the whole of the vehicle has to be within the bay and in others you are OK so long as the wheels are all within the lines. Such variations are all part of having local government as well as national government.
It is best to check before parking and the best way is to look first at the council's web site. Many, these days, have a page of advice for motorhomes. If not there is normally a contact number.

In the case of Mendip Council (which includes Wells) motorhome advice (including payment for each bay taken) is found on . The council also has a page for Union Street CP, , which states that motorhomes are allowed.

I won't go into more detail (lots of threads over the years) but if you do have to make an enquiry, verbally or in writing, because there is no information on the web site then it is worth (politely) pointing out that things would be so much easier for everyone if details were on the web site.

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[nicholsong]

May be wrong here but I think you might have got a ticket as the rules normally say you have to park within the lines. The logic is by using up two bays you are denying someone else a parking space. Of course individual councils may view things differently.

I once parked in the CP behind the Library in Bridgenorth.

There were bay markers either side but no front line.

I saw a traffic warden, asked if OK?

Very polite answer - if inside the side lines and not blocking anyone, you are fine 'Have a good evening'

Right attitude. Bridgenorth I will be back.

Geoff

 

[Two on Tour]

only to have one disappear down behind the dash never to be seen again

I bought a couple of these for holding parking ticket and the like for the windscreen.

 

[Janine]

I once parked in the CP behind the Library in Bridgenorth.

There were bay markers either side but no front line.

I saw a traffic warden, asked if OK?

Very polite answer - if inside the side lines and not blocking anyone, you are fine 'Have a good evening'

Right attitude. Bridgenorth I will be back.

Geoff

So glad you liked my town

I asked a few years ago whether it's ok to use two spaces and buy two tickets and the answer was yes - however, since then, we have been taken over by Shropshire Council who seem to be downright unhelpful.

However, part of the carpark by Sainsbury's has unsurfaced land with no markings at all so perfectly fine for larger vehicles.

 

[bobandjanie]

We had a private parking company in Norwich, there are lots of shops and time limit no ticket machine, and any car that wasn't between the lines got a ticket, vehicles that took up two bays got a ticket, I use to back over the flower bed sometimes the bushes never liked it and we hung into the road way about a foot and that was Ok no ticket.
Crazy but then its easy money for these companies and warrents them being employed.

The worst was when Janie parked in asda Stowmarket with our landrover and twinaxle trailer you should buy a ticket and get your monry back at the till, she jumped out said won't be long the traffic warden saw her come in thinking I bet she doesn't buy two tickets, he was right she didn't buy any.
He waited 20 minutes while I was telling him she has gone for some change he said I'm watching make sure she buys two tickets, she did but if she did that in the first place she would have got her money back. Bob.

 

[gus-lopez]

I now carry a laminated sign saying that I have bought two tickets which I display in such situations.

as @GJH has said it varies & you should always check the signage. In Barnstaple apart from one they do not allow multiple ticket buying you can only park using the "oversize bays" of which there are 3 !!! nor can you park & buy 2 tickets if towing a trailer.

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[pappajohn]

I once parked in the CP behind the Library in Bridgenorth.

There were bay markers either side but no front line.

I saw a traffic warden, asked if OK?

Very polite answer - if inside the side lines and not blocking anyone, you are fine 'Have a good evening'

Right attitude. Bridgenorth I will be back.

Geoff

Good job nobody comes to Scarborough anymore.
At times on some roads I've had trouble getting my CAR wheels between the curb and white line when on-street parking.
Saying that, providing you have either a pay and display ticket or time disc depending on the restriction they aren't bothered if you're a foot over the line.
There are no individual on-street bays, other than Marine Drive, so length is no problem.

 

[138go]

We sneak our 7.5m Motorhome into all sorts of places. Never bought TWO tickets yet .. Grass verge is a good idea as are the white boxed areas. Where they can get you of course is a weight limit. As for parking overnight well we just find a quiet road in the poshest area we can find

You would have fun at the Sea life Centre in Scarborough. The notice tells you that you must park within the white lines. Last time we were there a Ford KA was parked near us and both sides of his car were on the white lines.

The Standard size for a parking bay is 2.4m x 4.8m this gives the Local Council the best use of their land and the most revenue although these spaces are only for small cars and thin people.

 

[GJH]

The Standard size for a parking bay is 2.4m x 4.8m this gives the Local Council the best use of their land and the most revenue

Wrong, completely.
Bay sizes are based on national standards, which are used by private companies as well as public authorities.
It's nothing to do with revenue generation.

 

[GJH]

landrover and twinaxle trailer

nor can you park & buy 2 tickets if towing a trailer.

It's worth remembering that the vast majority of car parks do not allow parking of vehicles with trailers (including caravans).

 

[138go]

Wrong, completely.
Bay sizes are based on national standards, which are used by private companies as well as public authorities.
It's nothing to do with revenue generation.

How can it be wrong completely .. The recommended size for a parking bay is 2.4m x 4.8m

All Council Car Parks are to do with Revenue Generation otherwise parking would be FREE. Have you any idea how much money the Local Councils make out of parking. Some of the Seaside Towns which have in the past had FREE Parking during the Winter are now charging all the year round. So don't tell me it's got nothing to do with REVENUE GENERATION ..

Perhaps you should do your research. A vast amount of revenue is generated for local Councils by Off Street Parking to spend as they wish. There is no NATIONAL STANDARD its just a recommendation.

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[Electraglide]

We were in Whitstable a few years ago, drove in to a car park, took up two spaces. Luckily a Traffic Warden watched us. Asked if it was ok if I bought two tickets, yes no problem. Went to the machine, probably the first time i had to enter registration number. Machine would not allow the same reg number to be entered again so no second ticket. Traffic Warden sorted it out, not tried it anywhere else so no idea if that is normal.

 

[jockaneezer]

Lots of the towns in Cumbria have free on street "disc" parking as well as the usual "pay to park" plots belonging to both the council and private owners. The County Council are currently debating on street parking meters as a means to generate income, to help offset the Government cut backs to Local Authority's budgets.

 

[Northernraider]

How can it be wrong completely .. The recommended size for a parking bay is 2.4m x 4.8m

All Council Car Parks are to do with Revenue Generation otherwise parking would be FREE. Have you any idea how much money the Local Councils make out of parking. Some of the Seaside Towns which have in the past had FREE Parking during the Winter are now charging all the year round. So don't tell me it's got nothing to do with REVENUE GENERATION ..

Perhaps you should do your research. A vast amount of revenue is generated for local Councils by Off Street Parking to spend as they wish. There is no NATIONAL STANDARD its just a recommendation.

It is entirely for revenue generation and any other reason/excuse is bs in my opinion.

Rip off Britain

 

[GJH]

How can it be wrong completely .. The recommended size for a parking bay is 2.4m x 4.8m

All Council Car Parks are to do with Revenue Generation otherwise parking would be FREE. Have you any idea how much money the Local Councils make out of parking. Some of the Seaside Towns which have in the past had FREE Parking during the Winter are now charging all the year round. So don't tell me it's got nothing to do with REVENUE GENERATION ..

Perhaps you should do your research. A vast amount of revenue is generated for local Councils by Off Street Parking to spend as they wish. There is no NATIONAL STANDARD its just a recommendation.

OK, recommendation then. It makes no practical difference.
I don't dispute that car parks generate revenue. The point is that bay sizes aren't deliberately made small to increase revenue.
If councils could ignore a recommendation then, in order to increase revenue generation they could make the bays smaller than that recommendation.
The same sizes are used in car parks (private as well as public) which are free, so how do they generate revenue there?

 

[Northernraider]

OK, recommendation then. It makes no practical difference.
I don't dispute that car parks generate revenue. The point is that bay sizes aren't deliberately made small to increase revenue.
If councils could ignore a recommendation then, in order to increase revenue generation they could make the bays smaller than that recommendation.
The same sizes are used in car parks (private as well as public) which are free, so how do they generate revenue there?

I think the sizes have got smaller over the years because they want to encorouge people to drive little puddlejumpers

So if they have been made smaller it's obvious they will fit more cars in the carpark.

I know for a fact all the local supermarkets and the retail parks spaces have got smaller round here as I've lived here all my life and these days the larger cars overhang the spaces

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[RioRob]

as @GJH has said it varies & you should always check the signage. In Barnstaple apart from one they do not allow multiple ticket buying you can only park using the "oversize bays" of which there are 3 !!! nor can you park & buy 2 tickets if towing a trailer.

I believe there are at least 6 oversize bays in Barnstaple town, 3 in Bear Street and 3 next to the police station. There are more in Seven Brethren lorry park.

 

[Clarky]

There is an enormous amount of discussion and soul searching up and down the country about the 'death' of High Street shopping.
People object to paying high parking charges so they go to out of town sites and the High Street slowly dies. What to do?

So, here is my suggestion.
A brave council drops all town centre car park charges to attract shoppers back to the town. Parking revenue drops BUT more businesses open up to get their share of the increase in footfall and the council recovers its revenue from the increase in business rates.

Am I bonkers or would it work?

Richard.

 

[Northernraider]

There is an enormous amount of discussion and soul searching up and down the country about the 'death' of High Street shopping.
People object to paying high parking charges so they go to out of town sites and the High Street slowly dies. What to do?

So, here is my suggestion.
A brave council drops all town centre car park charges to attract shoppers back to the town. Parking revenue drops BUT more businesses open up to get their share of the increase in footfall and the council recovers its revenue from the increase in business rates.

Am I bonkers or would it work?

Richard.

Nice idea ...problem is local authorities are famous for being short sighted

 

[Gaston aires]

We’ve never had a problem parking even with 6.3m. Sometimes it’s easier on streets without parking bays.
However, I can help with the disappearing ticket (or in our case Swiss vignette) down the bottom of the windscreen.
Take one cheap plastic fly swat.
Cover the end with a piece of duct tape sticky side out.
Secure this piece of tape with another strip wrapped around sideways sticky side down.
Fish around in the gap!

The same happened to me. I fished it out using a fish slice with blue tack. Same theory, different utensil.
Phil

 

[Clarky]

Nice idea ...problem is local authorities are famous for being short sighted

Agreed!

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[GJH]

I think the sizes have got smaller over the years because they want to encorouge people to drive little puddlejumpers

So if they have been made smaller it's obvious they will fit more cars in the carpark.

I know for a fact all the local supermarkets and the retail parks spaces have got smaller round here as I've lived here all my life and these days the larger cars overhang the spaces

The standards haven't changed for decades.
It isn't the spaces which have become smaller but the size of vehicles which has increased (which is why these days the larger cars overhang the spaces).
Does anyone seriously expect car park owners (public or private) to redesign their car parks every couple of years just because people wish to but larger cars?

 

[GJH]

There is an enormous amount of discussion and soul searching up and down the country about the 'death' of High Street shopping.
People object to paying high parking charges so they go to out of town sites and the High Street slowly dies. What to do?

So, here is my suggestion.
A brave council drops all town centre car park charges to attract shoppers back to the town. Parking revenue drops BUT more businesses open up to get their share of the increase in footfall and the council recovers its revenue from the increase in business rates.

Am I bonkers or would it work?

Richard.

It was tried in Middlesbrough a few years ago, a scheme which is still in force of the first two hours free each day.
All it did was to encourage people who had parked a but further out for nothing to park closer in. It hasn't had a significant effect on footfall and certainly hasn't halted retail decline in the town centre.
The scheme only applies to council car parks. There are two large private car parks (parts of shopping centres) which still charge and are still busy.

 

[Northernraider]

The standards haven't changed for decades.
It isn't the spaces which have become smaller but the size of vehicles which has increased (which is why these days the larger cars overhang the spaces).
Does anyone seriously expect car park owners (public or private) to redesign their car parks every couple of years just because people wish to but larger cars?

I beg to differ
A vw t4 van has been the same size from 1990 to 2003

I've had over 20 off them between 2000 and 2017.
And I can tell you they now struggle to fit in a parking space round here but did with no probs when I first had them

 

[GJH]

Nice idea ...problem is local authorities are famous for being short sighted

Sorry to disappoint you, see my post about Middlesbrough above.

I beg to differ
A vw t4 van has been the same size from 1990 to 2003

I've had over 20 off them between 2000 and 2017.
And I can tell you they now struggle to fit in a parking space round here but did with no probs when I first had them

As you say, a VW T4 is a van. Your post on which I commented specifically mentioned "larger cars".

 

[Northernraider]

Sorry to disappoint you, see my post about Middlesbrough above.

As you say, a VW T4 is a van. Your post on which I commented specifically mentioned "larger cars".

Well the caravelle is classed as a mpv.

But regardless my point is the vehicle hasnt got larger but the spaces have definately got smaller. Done when they were resurfaced

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