County Council Parking Services are now ‘enforcing the yellow line restriction on Castle Street’. Warning notices will be initially be issued, with penalty notices commencing on the 15th December. We have been trying unsuccessfully to get a useful interpretation of this statement for our users. Our suggested guidance is:
"The Hall has no parking facilities. Our understanding is that temporary parking on the pavement on Castle Street is permitted only for loading/unloading and to drop off or collect passengers. Vehicles must be entirely on the pavement and must not obstruct pedestrian access or create safety hazards, especially for those with mobility issues or visual impairments. Without special dispensation such pavement parking is limited to a maximum of 30 minutes. Usual exemptions apply to those with disabled parking blue badges.
Please note: This is simply our understanding and we are unable to enter into any dispute that may arise between individuals and the County Council's Parking Services."
Parking Service have not confirmed the above as acceptable, but stated the situation as follows:
“The double yellow lines marked on Church Street, Warkworth will allow motorists to stop in order to load/unload in this location. The items being loaded/unloaded must be heavy and/or bulky items that could not normally be carried and the loading/unloading must be constant. Motorists are additionally permitted to stop in this location in order to allow passengers to board or alight from the vehicle. Vehicles stopping for a permitted reason must park in a location that is suitable and does not cause an obstruction to the footpath or carriageway.
Trades people, businesses and utility companies may apply for a parking dispensation in order to carry out works in the location.
Contraventions have an associated observation period that must be adhered. Contravention 01 which is described as 'Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours' has a two minute observation period. Motorists that are loading/unloading must be constantly loading/unloading which the Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) will be able to observe during the two minute observation period. Should the CEO not observe he loading/unloading taking place and a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) be issued to the vehicle, motorists are given the opportunity to challenge the PCN using the information supplied on the issued PCN. Motorists may use the appeals process to submit evidence that they were loading/unloading on the day and time in question by supplying documentary evidence, such as a delivery note, for consideration.
The Highway Code provides information and guidance for motorists. ”