Contents
4 Civil enforcement officers (CEOs)
5 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)
7 How we operate the car parks
8 Data protection and use of personal data
12 Appendix A Previous Car Park Pricing Policy
13 Appendix B List of Car Parks
14 Appendix C Penalty Charge Notice process
15 Appendix D - Common contravention codes explained
15 Appendix E Cancelation Criteria
16 Appendix F How to make a formal representation
(a) car parks provided in towns and villages in the district by other bodies
(b) on-street parking charges
(c) car parks in neighbouring authority areas
7.1.2 Each year we undertake a usage survey which identifies on a particular working day the number of vehicles parked in each car park and the duration of stay during the charging hours. We publish the results of this survey on our websites and use this information to review how we provide our car park service, in order to achieve the aims and objectives in line with our Corporate Plans.
7.2 Off-street parking bays
7.2.1 There is no statutory size for any type of parking bays. We will review bay sizes within car parks based on the current recommended sizes published by the British Parking Association (BPA) www.britishparking.co.uk/ when providing new car parks or resurfacing and relining our current car parks.
7.2.2 We will follow statutory requirements and national guidance for the provision of parking bays as well as considering usage and customer feedback. Our car parks include special parking marked as per relevant BPA guidance for:
· Accessible bays
· Electric Vehicles (including charging bays)
· Parent and child bays
· Motorcycles
· Buses/coaches
· Motor homes
There are no taxi bays in council car parks as of September 2022.
7.3 Terms and Conditions
7.3.1 Details of the current terms and conditions are included on the individual car park web pages which include the current information listed below:
(a) vehicle registration numbers(including CCTV imagesand photographs of vehicles taken by CEO)
(b) names and addresses
(c) financial information (such as creditcards or bank account detailstaken when payment is made).
a) Car Park fees and charges shall be set so that over a five-year rolling period they at least meet the costs of car parks calculated in accordance with proper accounting practice. Costs will include charges for capital expenditure.
b) Pricing may be used to regulate and influence usage to support town centre vitality and viability. Therefore, short term and long-term parking to be differentially priced and located to encourage workers to park on the edge of towns to free up town centre parking for shoppers and visitors.
c) Car Park fees and charges to be benchmarked against
i. car parks provided in towns and villages in the district by other bodies
ii. on-street parking charges
iii. car parks in neighbouring authorities:
· Cherwell DC
· Aylesbury Vale DC
· Wokingham DC
· Wycombe DC
· Vale of White Horse DC
d) Parking is provided free of charge for disabled badge holders
e) No
fees and charges to apply on Sundays removed by Cabinet in
2021
f) Parking fees and charges to be reviewed annually
Season tickets and permits
g) Season tickets are available for purchase in advance by residents, tourists and businesses for all long stay car parks but do not guarantee a place. They are available for one year, a quarter or one week at a discounted rate.
h) Permits are available for market traders which give discounted rates for all day parking in long stay car parks for one day of the week over a quarter or a year. They also do not guarantee a place.
i) Discounts will be determined each year when fees and charges are reviewed.
The Vale Council’s existing parking pricing policy was last reviewed in 2011 when policy B (1) was removed. This was to reflect the fact that the introduction of the free two hours meant that the income from the service would not meet the expenditure. The other policies are:
B (2) Differential pricing may apply between areas in the Vale, including between car parks in the same town
B (3) Pricing may be used to regulate and influence usage to achieve a balance between sustainability and environmental objectives, and town centre vitality and viability; hence, short- term and long-term public parking should be differentially priced and located to encourage edge of town parking for commuters, thus freeing town centre parking for shoppers and visitors
B (4) Parking will be provided free of charge for disabled badge holders
B (5) Parking fees and charges will be reviewed annually.
Town |
Car Park |
Address |
Post Code |
Didcot |
Edinburgh Drive |
Edinburgh Drive, Didcot, |
OX11 7LT |
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Goring |
Wheel Orchard |
Wheel Orchard, Goring, |
RG8 9HB |
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Henley |
Kings Road |
Kings Road, Henley-on-Thames, |
RG9 2DQ |
|
Grey's Road |
Greys Road, Henley-on-Thames, |
RG9 2AA. |
|
Southfields |
Southfields (off Goodall Close), Henley-on-Thames, |
RG9 1BJ |
|
|
|
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Wallingford |
Castle Street |
Castle St, Wallingford, |
OX10 8DL |
|
Riverside |
Riverside, Wallingford, |
OX10 0BU |
|
St Georges Road |
St Georges Road, Wallingford, |
OX10 8HJ |
|
Goldsmiths Lane |
Goldsmiths Lane, Wallingford, |
OX10 0DN |
|
Cattlemarket |
Cattlemarket, Wallingford, |
OX10 0AU |
|
Thames St |
Thames St, Wallingford, |
OX10 0HD |
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|
Thame |
Cattlemarket |
Cattlemarket, Thame, |
OX9 3FD |
|
Southern Road |
Southern Road, Thame, |
OX9 2EE |
|
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|
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Benson |
Mill Stream, |
Benson, |
OX10 6RL |
|
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Chinnor |
High St, |
Chinnor, |
OX39 4SJ. |
|
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Culham |
Culham Lock, |
Culham |
OX14 3BT. |
|
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Wheatley |
Church Road, |
Wheatley, |
OX33 1NB |
|
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Town |
Car Park |
Address |
Post Code |
|
|
|
|
Abingdon |
Audlett Drive |
Audlett Drive, Abingdon, |
OX14 3ND |
|
Abbey Close |
Abbey Close, Abingdon, |
OX14 3JE |
|
Cattle market |
Abbey Close, Abingdon, |
OX14 3JH |
|
Charter Multi Story |
Broad Street, Abingdon, |
OX14 3LH |
|
Civic Car Park |
Abbey Close, Abingdon, |
OX14 3JH |
|
Hales Meadow |
Culham Road, Abingdon, |
OX14 3NN |
|
Rye Farm |
Culham Road, Abingdon, |
OX14 3NN |
|
West St Helen Street |
West St Helen Street, Abingdon, |
OX14 5BU |
|
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Faringdon |
Southampton Street |
Southampton Street, Faringdon, |
SN7 7AZ |
|
Gloucester Street |
Gloucester Street, Faringdon, |
SN7 7HY |
|
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Wantage |
Portway |
Portway, Wantage, |
OX12 9BU |
|
Limborough Road |
Limborough Road, Wantage, |
OX12 9AJ |
|
Mill Street |
Mill Street, Wantage, |
OX12 9AJ |
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(a) details of the issuing council
(b) location of the vehicle
(c) the contravention code
(d) observation start and finish times
(e) penalty charge notice number (this should be uniquely identifiable)
(f) CEO identification number.
(a) a valid pay and display ticket
(b) photos to show there were no road markings to restrict parking
(c) photos of signs that are hard to see or understand
(d) a letter from someone who was with you saying what happened – write ‘Witness statement’ at the top of this
(e) a repair note, if your car broke down.
(a) the date the ticket was issued
(b) your full address including post code
(c) your vehicle registration number
(d) the penalty notice number.
Contravention Codes |
Description |
Level |
70 |
Parked in a loading area during restricted hours without reasonable excuse |
Higher |
71 |
Parked in an electric vehicles’ charging place during restricted hours without charging |
Lower |
73 |
Parked without payment of the parking charge |
Lower |
74 |
Using a vehicle in a parking place in connection with the sale or offering or exposing for sale of goods when prohibited |
Higher |
75 |
RESERVED FOR LITTERING FROM MOTOR VEHICLES |
|
77 |
RESERVED FOR DVLA USE |
N/A |
78 |
Parked wholly or partly in a suspended bay or space |
Higher |
80 |
Parked for longer than permitted |
Lower |
81 |
Parked in a restricted area in a car park |
Higher |
82 |
Parked after the expiry of paid for time |
Lower |
83 |
Parked in a car park without clearly displaying a valid pay & display ticket or valid pay by phone transaction |
Lower |
84 |
Parked with payment made to extend the stay beyond initial time |
Lower |
85 |
Parked in a permit bay without clearly displaying a valid permit |
Higher |
86 |
Not parked correctly within the markings of a bay or space |
Lower |
87 |
Parked in a disabled person’s parking place without clearly displaying a valid disabled person’s badge |
Higher |
89 |
Vehicle parked exceeds maximum weight and/or height and/or length permitted in the area |
Higher |
90 |
Re-parked in the same Town car (park within one hour after leaving |
Lower |
91 |
Parked in a car park or area not designated for that class of vehicle |
Higher |
92 |
Parked causing an obstruction |
Higher |
93 |
Parked in car park when closed |
Lower |
94 |
Parked in a pay & display car park without clearly displaying two valid pay and display tickets when required |
Lower |
95 |
Parked in a parking place for a purpose other than that designated |
Lower |
96 |
Parked with engine running where prohibited |
Lower |
The area will be marked on the surface that it is for loading/delivery purposes only. Only vehicles conducting legitimate deliveries may use these spaces. CEOs will observe vehicles for ten minutes to check for loading/unloading activity.
Some car parks have a maximum stay, indicated on the car park information board, and the pay & display machines, as well as on our website. This code is used when someone has stayed longer than the maximum time limit indicated. This code may apply even if you display a valid parking ticket. CEOs will check all windows for parking tickets. They will log times they observe the vehicle to prove that it has stayed in the car park for longer than the permitted time. They will not issue a PCN until at least ten minutes after the maximum period has expired.
Certain car parks have bays or areas, which are not available for general parking. For instance, wheelchair bays or hatch markings indicating areas should be kept clear for access purposes. This code applies when someone parks in the restricted area without permission, even if the vehicle displays a valid parking ticket for that car park.
We use this code if the driver has overstayed the time stated on their parking ticket or the time paid for by other means. parking tickets must be displayed prominently and clearly in the windscreen of the vehicle. A PCN will not be served until at least 10 minutes after the paid for time has expired.
This code applies when a vehicle is parked in a pay and display car park where
(a) No payment ticket isdisplayed
(b) A ticket is displayed but it is not valid for that parking place
(c) A ticket is obscured/face down and the details cannot be read.
Motorists are expected to pay for their parking on arrival and display a valid ticket (or voucher). No time is allowed to go and get change.
Before serving a PCN, CEOs will check that the machine is functioning correctly and where other means of payment is available that the vehicle has not paid for parking in another way through its vehicle registration number. If one pay and display machine is not working motorists must use an alternative machine, where one is available, or an alternative method of payment such as phone payment. CEOs will check the vehicle for a valid parking ticket, looking at all windows. Parking tickets are not transferable between vehicles.
A ten-minute observation period will be given
We use this code where a vehicle is parked in a permit bay and
(a) no permit is displayed
(b) A permit is displayed but it is not valid for that parking place
(c) A permit is obscured/face down and the details cannot be read.
This is an instant contravention, and no observation period isrequired.
This code applies when a vehicle is parked partly outside the parking bay (one wheel or more out of the bay).
The CEOs will take photographs to show how the vehicle was parked.
We use this code is used when vehicles use designated disabled bays without displaying a disabled Blue Badge. Any vehicle using the disabled bay must display the Blue Badge (and time clock where the exemption is time limited) along with either a valid parking ticket or evidence of the vehicle’s tax exemption from the Vehicle Excise Duty as required. Regulations vary between car parks and requirements are displayed on the car park signs. This is an instant contravention, and no observation period is required.
We use this code if a vehicle returns to car parks in a specific town within a specified time. A sign on the entrance and throughout the car park will state the no return period. CEOs will record wheel valve positions on first and second observations to prove that the vehicle has returned.
This code applies when the wrong type of vehicle is parked (e.g., a car in a coach bay, a car in a motorcycle bay or a coach in a car bay).
CEOs will take photographs to show the type of vehicle that was parked.
This is an instant contravention, and no observation period is required.
We use this code when a vehicle park causes an obstruction. This is more serious than code 86. It normally means that other traffic has difficulty manoeuvring around the obstruction. CEOs will take photographs of the vehicle causing the obstruction.
This is an instant contravention, and no observation period is required.
Off-street only - Parked in car park when closed
Some car parks are not open all the time and some are closed by a barrier. This code applies if cars are left in the car park at a time when it is closed. This is an instant contravention, and no observation period is required.
Agreed by: Name: James Carpenter Title: Head of Development and Corporate Landlord
Date: Updated May 2022
REASON FOR DISPUTE |
WHEN TO CANCEL |
PCN UPHELD |
COMMENTS |
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Offence: all offences |
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1. Adverse weather conditions |
If vehicle has been abandoned in extreme conditions or roads are impassable |
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Examples of extreme weather would be snow or flooding or high winds if trees are blocking the road |
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2. Where more than one PCN is issued to the same vehicle on the same day in same location |
All PCNs except for the first offence in the same car park within 24 hours |
When the PCN’s have been issued in different car parks. |
Only one PCN per 24 hours can be issued to a vehicle for a particular car park. |
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3. Marked emergency service vehicle |
Service provides evidence that the vehicle was on official duty |
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Evidence should be on official headed paper |
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4. Doctor on call, district nurses, carers and midwives |
Proof that the vehicle was left in response to an emergency call |
Routine house visits Person’s property is next to a car park |
Evidence should be on official headed paper |
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5. Removal vehicles, private ambulances, hearses |
Proof that the vehicle was required to be in the car park or area |
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Evidence should be on official headed paper |
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6. Information is incorrect or incomplete on the ECN |
Incorrect/incomplete information recorded by inspector – this does not apply to wrong make of vehicle
|
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E.g., camera failure or wrong vehicle details |
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Offence: no valid ticket and no valid permit |
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7. Driver went for change |
Driver able to produce a ticket for the relevant car park, within ten minutes of vehicle first being logged. |
If parked in a permit holder only area.
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8. Driver claims machine was faulty
|
Officers able to verify that the machine was faulty. |
Driver incorrectly uses machine and perceives a machine fault.
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Officers will take into account where there are known to be intermittent faults from a particular machine. Investigate by checking any discrepancies between money recorded by machine and actual coins in cash box |
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9. Driver forgot to buy ticket |
In no circumstances, |
|
Signs are clear within the car park, and in line with the car park order, ticket must be on display |
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10. Driver produces valid blue badge |
Badge is valid for the time the PCN was issued or confirmation from OCC blue badge department that a badge application had been approved at the time |
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|
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11. Driver didn’t read or is unable to read signs |
In no circumstances |
Claims unable to read English. Drivers should have sufficient language/ knowledge to understand the highway code. |
Help on writing a dispute may be given if the person’s first language is not English or if they have other problems with writing |
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12. Valid ticket produced with registration number on the ticket |
All first offences
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Any subsequent PCN within one year of first PCN being issued for the same offence |
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13. Driver claims that signs were not visible |
Inspector agrees that the view of the sign/s was obstructed at the time when the PCN was issued |
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14. Vehicle broken down
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The driver must provide proof that they bought a ticket and also proof that they were not able to access the vehicle if the ticket is not displayed.
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Not able to access vehicle, for example electrical fault or lost key. If the driver informs the office to say they are unable to move the vehicle, then officers insist they must still purchase a ticket for their duration (meter feed if necessary or if short term car park). They then would supply this ticket in the event of getting an PCN |
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15. Permit fallen off windscreen or dashboard or not visible |
On first dispute if we know that a valid permit has been issued to the person
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Any subsequent dispute (where permit is not clearly visible) relating to the same permit or vehicle within one calendar year of the first PCN being issued |
Must still dispute in writing, email acceptable. Staff, councilors, and public all treated the same. |
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16. Vehicle stolen and abandoned in car park |
Driver able to provide proof, e.g. crime report. Police left vehicle in car park following an arrest |
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Proof must be on official headed paper |
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17. Driver produces valid day permit |
Driver is able to produce valid day permit for relevant car park and that he was obtaining it around the time the PCN was issued. Proof obtained from issuer |
When 24-hour period is exceeded. If the permit has been tampered with, e.g., dates changed. |
Permits must be filled in correctly with pen or ink, no photocopies are accepted.
|
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18. Driver produces double issue ticket stub, receipt ticket or cash back ticket (relating to some supermarkets) |
Driver produces a receipt ticket with registration number
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19. Driver produces a ticket showing registration of another family vehicle |
Mistakenly entered the registration of another family vehicle and the driver can produce proof that they own the two vehicles |
Driver produces a ticket from a registration machine that does not match the registration number on the PCN and cannot prove they own two vehicles. |
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20. Driver produces a ticket but it does not exactly match the vehicle registration plate |
If the ticket displayed is not the exact vehicle registration but is correct if numbers/letters transposed or up to two letters or numbers wrong. One strike per calendar year from issue of PCN – provide written warning. |
The ticket that the driver produces is not the exact vehicle registration and the PCN is issued within one year of a written warning on this issue. When records show that the driver obtained a ticket/payment by other methods with the correct registration details prior to the PCN being issued and has deliberately transposed the registration details to enable meter feeding
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21. Driver produces cashless receipt/claims to have paid via cashless method |
When cashless receipt is for correct car park but shows a different vehicle and driver produces registration document &/or back office cashless system confirms ownership of both vehicles. When receipt is produced for correct car park and correct car. When driver produces valid cashless receipt showing correct paid tariff but wrong location. |
When cashless receipt is for car park owned by another authority. |
The council will cancel all first offences within one calendar year |
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22. Driver/passenger becomes ill or stops to assist a person (doesn’t have time to get or display ticket) |
If official proof can be provided. (e.g. confirmation from a shop/office/paramedic/first-aider/doctor) |
Unable to accept a letter from a friend, relative or work colleague to support dispute |
|
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23. Driver purchases a second ticket e.g. has not left the car park for the required time (no return period)
|
When previously agreed with the office e.g. if broken down Driver can prove that he has moved vehicle for the allowed time
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If the vehicle has left the car park but another member of the family uses the same car park within the no return period. |
Having bought and displayed a first ticket, if driver displays second ticket which takes him over the maximum stay period and has not left the car park for the required time, then the second ticket is not valid and an PCN is issued. Even if the vehicle has left the car park and returns with another driver, the PCN is still upheld. It is acceptable to buy a ticket and then come back and buy a further ticket as long as the total stay is no longer than the maximum stay period. This does not apply to free tickets/periods. |
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24. Service vehicles, emergency call-out vehicles, gas/electrical/alarm companies |
Driver is able to provide timed and dated evidence that the work was being carried out as a health and safety emergency at a particular premises. |
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Pay and display ticket expired |
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25. Driver/passenger becomes ill or stops to assist a person |
If official proof can be provided. (Confirmation from a shop/office/paramedic/first-aider/doctor) |
Unable to accept a letter from a friend, relative or work colleague to support dispute |
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26. Driver delayed in returning to car park
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Where a driver has attempted to purchase sufficient parking time but was then unable to return to the vehicle for the following reasons:
|
Where a driver is delayed for reasons beyond or not beyond their control, where more parking time should have been allowed, e.g.:
|
Driver will need to provide evidence of delay before cancellation is considered
Long term medical condition does not prevent the proper use of the car park |
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27. Driver produces valid ticket |
Where a machine issues a faulty ticket Medical emergency Proven police involvement or other similar event |
In all other circumstances |
|
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28. Two tickets purchased at the same time – driver adds together to accumulate required parking period (Machine did not accept all the money paid at the time of purchasing a ticket) |
When the car park inspector has taken photos of two tickets side by side on the dashboard which add up to the correct time/value required or cover the issue time of the PCN If both tickets are registration linked and purchased within ten minutes of each other |
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29. Driver claims to have paid for part of a tariff or over the tariff |
In no circumstances |
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An example of a part tariff payment would be where a tariff is: 50p for 1 hr and 90p for 2 hrs. Driver attempts to pay 70p for 1½ hrs |
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Permit not valid for this car park |
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30. Permit holder unaware where to park. |
Unable to access the car park (flooding, travellers). Event in town |
None |
Non payment of PCNs by staff /councillors pursued in the same way as all public. |
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31. Permit holder parked in wrong car park |
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Permit holder unaware of correct area or pleads ignorance or mistake or someone else outside the car park team told them where to park Members of staff or councillors saying they were delivering items to the council |
Permits or season tickets exist for all long stay car parks. All permits are car park specific There is a delivery area to the side of Abbey House |
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32. Driver displays an on-street parking permit/ticket
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In no circumstances |
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Need to explain to drivers that tickets/permits are not transferable between council off-street car parks and Town Council on-street parking areas. An arrangement has been made with the Abingdon Town Council to allow residents with a valid town council permit to park in a Vale Council car park from 6pm until 9am the next day |
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33. Unaware of the correct area to park |
Where parking in the permit only area is unavoidable due to maintenance work being carried out in pay and display car park and signs are displayed indicating that this is acceptable |
Where there is no exceptional circumstances/ignorance |
Parking in a permit only area would be clearly signed and the car park team must be aware
|
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Offence: non display of disabled badge |
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34. Driver states they have a valid blue badge |
If the badge produced is valid at the time the PCN was issued. |
Where the terms of the disabled badge scheme are not met Further similar offences within one calendar year of first PCN |
The council will cancel all first offences within one calendar year, sending the badge owner a warning letter stating that subsequent offences may not cancelled |
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35. Driver claims that an application has been made |
Proof that the application has been made, prior to the issuing of the PCN, and if the disabled badge is subsequently issued |
If proof cannot be provided |
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Offence: vehicle exceeds weight limit |
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36. Driver challenges weight of vehicle |
Driver is able to produce evidence that the vehicle does not exceed the stipulated weight
|
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Inspectors are given guidance on the assumed weight of vehicles, but it will be impossible for inspectors to be definitive |
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Offence: vehicle not parked wholly within a bay |
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Offence: unauthorised parking |
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37. Driver claims unaware of this offence
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Signs unclear or missing |
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Examples of unauthorised areas include: · yellow lines/boxes · circulation areas · motorcycle bays · car park access roadways · recycling areas (other than to unload recycling) |
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38. Driver delivering or collecting goods
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Driver is able to provide a dated and timed delivery note, invoice etc. (on headed paper) showing that he was delivering or collecting large/bulky goods that require that vehicle to be close by. Applies to permit holder’s car parks only. The vehicle must be immediately adjacent to the premises and (un)loading must be a continuous operation. |
Driver is unable to provide proof that they were delivering/collecting. Driver did not remove vehicle when delivery completed.
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Offence: exceeded maximum stay (e.g. Wheatley) |
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39. Left car park and returned later |
Driver able to provide proof that they left the car park and returned after the no return restriction
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Driver is unable to provide proof that they left the car park. |
CEOs carry out ‘write downs’ of vehicles to provide evidence that the vehicle has not moved. This includes times, number plate and parking bay location details |
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40. Driver/passenger becomes ill or stops to assist a person |
If official proof can be provided. (Confirmation from a shop/office/paramedic/first-aider) |
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Similar reasoning to overstay of pay and display ticket |
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41. Driver delayed in returning to car park
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Where a driver was unable to return to the vehicle for the following reasons:
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Driver will need to provide evidence of delay before cancellation is considered Long term medical condition does not prevent the proper use of the car park |
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42. Vehicle broken down
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The driver must provide proof that they bought a ticket and also proof that they were not able to access the vehicle if the ticket is not displayed.
|
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Not able to access vehicle, for example electrical fault or lost key. If the driver informs the office to say they are unable to move the vehicle, then officers insist they must still purchase a ticket for their duration (meter feed necessary or if short term car park). They then would supply this ticket in the event of getting an PCN. |
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43. Vehicle stolen and abandoned in car park
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Driver able to provide proof, e.g. crime report.
Police left vehicle in car park following an arrest. |
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Proof must be on official headed paper |
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Offence: no return within two hours
|
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44. Visit was unavoidable |
Driver able to provide proof of their return due to medical conditions/dental work/returning faulty goods/getting prescriptions. |
Driver is unable to provide proof that they were collecting or returning to the car parks for legitimate reasons. |
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45. Driver needed to move to collect heavy goods
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Driver is able to provide a dated and timed delivery note, invoice etc (on headed paper) showing that he was collecting large/bulky goods that require that vehicle to be close by. Driver is able to provide receipt of the heavy goods purchased i.e. large bag of pet food/sack of potatoes. |
Driver is unable to provide proof that they were collecting. Driver did not remove vehicle when delivery completed.
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