Parking restrictions
Introducing new parking restrictions
Please email traffic@bcpcouncil.gov.uk for further information.
General restrictions
In areas where parking restrictions are in place, the appropriate restrictions are displayed on a sign, and these restrictions must be adhered to otherwise a driver risks receiving a penalty charge. The only exception is double yellow lines which restrict parking at any time, so no sign is required
Holders of a valid blue badge are exempt from certain restrictions.
Parking problems
Initially, consideration has to be taken that if the area is not restricted, then drivers are entitled to park where they wish - so long as they park appropriately.
Dealing with obstruction
-
if parked vehicles cause obstruction issues to the flow of moving traffic or pedestrians, on the road or pavement, contact Dorset Police by dialling '101'. They will assess the severity of the obstruction and take action if it is felt to be a priority
-
if parked vehicles cause obstruction issues to your property (for example, if a vehicle is parked directly across a dropped-kerb leading to your private driveway) contact christchurchparking@bcpcouncil.gov.uk we may be able to help. The same also applies to obstruction of dropped kerbs at crossing points in the street
-
if vehicles are parked illegally in an area of restricted parking contact christchurchparking@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Access protection markings
Access protection markings are single white lines painted on the tarmac in front of driveways and other accesses. They are unenforceable 'courtesy' markings.
Removal and delivery vehicles
Any responsible removal or delivery company will ensure any disruption during loading or unloading is kept to minimum. Discuss options with them.
- investigate any practical option for having the vehicle parked off the highway wherever possible
- active loading/unloading can take place so long as there is no obstruction of the highway and there are no restrictions on loading (yellow blips on the kerb edge)
- liaise locally with and inform your town or parish council or local neighbourhood policing team
- it is an offence to block the road so the subject vehicles on narrow roads would need to be moved to allow other vehicles past
- whilst you could request an official road closure if a vehicle will block the road, this is expensive and we require a lot of notice
- you could request to hire no-parking cones but without a legal Traffic Order there would be no enforcement rights
On-street pay and display schemes
There are currently no on-street pay and display schemes in Christchurch.