PARKING DISPENSATIONS

Parking dispensations allow vehicles to park lawfully, in what would otherwise be a contravention of a Road Traffic Order. They allow parking where alternative arrangements cannot be made for:
  • Loading/unloading where activity is normally prohibited or the permitted period is insufficient.
  • Situations where alternative arrangements would be unsatisfactory.

Subject to policy, dispensations can be issued in the following circumstances:
  • Furniture removals.
  • Building/maintenance/repair works where close proximity to the site is essential.
  • Goods deliveries in respect of which it is reasonable to allow longer than normally permitted by usual Road Traffic Order regulations.
  • The hearse and chief mourners’ vehicles at funerals – no charge.
  • The bridal and attendants’ vehicles at weddings.
  • Vehicles essential to filming operations.
  • Other circumstances in which Parking Services may reasonably regard the requirement to be essential.

A dispensation does not permit general parking. It does not allow the vehicle to remain in the area once the dispensation purpose has been fulfilled.
The cost of a dispensation is £15 per day (each dispensation is for one vehicle).
Applications should be made by telephoning 01983 823714 (Monday to Friday 9am – 6 pm).
Applications must be received at least five working days before the required date

Office staff will look at each application from an administration point of view and, if satisfied with the application, will pass applications on to the Traffic Management and Road Safety section to approve/refuse or amend the request on safety grounds.
If approved, the dispensation will be sent to the Call Centre to take payment and send to the customer.
If refused, Parking Services will notify the customer as to why.
Except in extenuating circumstances, dispensations should not be issued for continuous periods of more than five days, and should not authorise parking for more than two vehicles at any one location (unless Parking Services are satisfied that it is safe to do so).

Dispensations will not be approved where there is a possible danger to pedestrians or to highway safety:
  • On bends.
  • On the brow of hills.
  • On clearways or fast flowing roads.
  • Adjacent to pedestrian crossing points.
  • Adjacent to school entrances.
  • Where pedestrian or driver sight line visibility is impaired.

Dispensations will not be issued for:
  • Applications where parking may adversely affect disabled/doctors/business bays, taxi ranks, bus stops.
  • Applications where loading restrictions are in place, if the dispensation is requested during the restricted period(s).
  • Locations within 50 metres of a signal controlled junction, the entry/exit pedestrian crossing marking, on a footway, and/or other locations where parking may cause danger to pedestrians and road users, and/or serious obstructions/traffic flow impediment.
  • Requests where there are doubts concerning the validity of the application.
  • Applications in respect of vehicles where dispensations have been issued more than twice within four weeks before the date of application.

Parking Services has discretion to vary this ban if it is considered reasonable to approve the application.
A waiver certificate will be issued and must be displayed in the lower nearside of the vehicle’s windscreen.

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PARKING SUSPENSIONS

A suspension is defined as ‘a parking bay that has had the Traffic Regulation Order suspended for an agreed time period’ (eg Pay and Display bays or a Disabled bay).
The cost of a suspension is £15 per bay per day.
Applications should be made by telephoning 01983 823714 (Monday to Friday 9am – 6 pm).

A suspension may take place when it is considered necessary for the following reasons:
  • Traffic movement and safety.
  • Essential building/maintenance works.
  • Furniture removals.
  • Filming.
  • Special events.
  • Weddings or funerals – no charge for funerals.
  • The suspension may be in direct relation to the reservation of place(s) in connection with the activities listed above.

The suspension procedure embraces:
  • Receiving notice of the requirement.
  • Considering and, if appropriate, investigating the need for the suspension.
  • Approving or rejecting the application.
  • Obtaining payment if applicable.
  • Recording the suspension.
  • Warning local residents.
  • Implementing the suspension on-street.
  • Removing any on-street suspension equipment on completion.

Applications must be received at least ten working days before the required date, to enable time for notifying residents, etc.
Whilst applications require the applicant to specify a vehicle, it is appreciated that for building works there may be deliveries from suppliers or other services. Officers then have the discretion to allow such activities, provided they are directly connected to the works.
If approved, notification of the suspension will be sent to the call centre to advise customer and to take payment.
If refused, Parking Services will notify the customer as to why.
Suspensions may be extended providing Parking services receive 2 days notice (to allow time to advise normal users of extension).
Suspensions may be lifted earlier than requested, providing Parking Services are given at least one days notice. (Parking Services will then amend the suspension notification accordingly).