Managing Parking Regulations: A Guide for Residents
As residential property managing agents, we aim to ensure that parking regulations are clearly communicated and fairly enforced to maintain the safety and convenience of all residents. This guide provides essential information about the legalities surrounding parking on private land, the rights of residents, and how we can assist you in managing parking issues effectively.
Understanding the Legal Aspects of Residential Parking Management
Clamping and Towing
As of October 1, 2012, it is a criminal offense to clamp or tow away a vehicle on private land unless performed by the police, local authority, bailiffs, or other government agencies. Consequently, any signage indicating clamping should be removed.
Ticketing
For vehicles parked without permission, ticketing is the alternative. Landowners can issue parking tickets without a license and can enforce payment through the county court if necessary. Additionally, drivers have access to an appeal system. It is advisable to use an accredited parking enforcement company affiliated with the British Parking Association for managing this process. Section 56 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 allows holding the registered keeper of a vehicle liable for any unpaid charges when the driver is unidentified.
Abandoned Vehicles
Handling abandoned vehicles requires careful consideration:
- Health and Safety Hazards: If a vehicle poses a health or safety risk, appropriate action can be taken to mitigate the hazard.
- Determining Abandonment: Verify the vehicle's status by checking with the DVLA and ticketing the vehicle. Maintaining a register of vehicles or communicating with residents may help avoid misunderstandings.
- Removal and Disposal: If a vehicle is confirmed abandoned, it may be removed and disposed of. Ensure to attach a notice to the vehicle, take photographs, and maintain thorough records. Use local authorities or reputable contractors to handle removals, as they are typically equipped to manage these situations and provide credible testimony if needed.
Discouraging Unauthorised Parking: Our Solutions and Strategies
Smart Parking ANPR Systems
We use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems to monitor and manage parking spaces effectively. ANPR technology automatically reads and records vehicle license plates, allowing us to monitor all vehicles entering and exiting the premises. This system enhances security by ensuring that only authorized vehicles can enter and park on the premises, reducing unauthorized parking and potential security threats. Additionally, ANPR provides efficient real-time monitoring and record-keeping, helping us quickly identify and address any parking violations. However, some residents may have privacy concerns due to the continuous monitoring of their vehicles, and the initial installation and maintenance costs can be high. Despite these challenges, ANPR systems significantly reduce the need for manual checks, making the management process more efficient and less prone to human error.
Permits
Parking permits are issued to residents and their authorized visitors, and these permits must be displayed clearly on vehicles to avoid fines. The permit system helps ensure that only authorized vehicles are allowed to park, preventing unauthorized use of parking spaces. It also allows us to easily identify vehicles belonging to residents and their visitors, simplifying the management of parking spaces and enforcement of rules. While permits help maintain control, there are occasional issues with misplacement or forgery. Furthermore, managing and issuing permits can be time-consuming, especially in large communities. Nevertheless, the permit system is a crucial tool in maintaining organized and secure parking areas.
Parking Bay Numbering
All parking bays are clearly numbered and assigned to specific residents. This system helps prevent disputes and ensures that each resident has their designated parking space. Clearly numbered bays provide an organized parking system, making it easy for residents to find their spots and reducing conflicts over parking spaces. However, fixed numbering may limit flexibility, particularly for temporary changes or visitor parking needs. Additionally, maintaining the visibility of numbers and signs requires regular upkeep. Despite these minor drawbacks, parking bay numbering simplifies the enforcement of parking rules and allocation of spaces, contributing to a well-ordered parking environment.
Barriers and Roller Shutter Doors
To control access to parking areas, we use barriers and roller shutter doors. These physical barriers can be automated or manually operated, providing a strong deterrent to unauthorized access and enhancing overall security. Controlled access helps manage the flow of vehicles entering and exiting the premises, increasing privacy and safety for residents. However, the installation, operation, and maintenance of these barriers can be costly, and they may cause delays, especially during peak times or if there are technical malfunctions. Despite these challenges, barriers and roller shutter doors significantly enhance the security and management of parking areas.
Our Parking Policy
We have established a comprehensive parking policy to ensure that all residents understand the rules and procedures related to parking. This policy includes:
- Permit Requirements: Details on how to obtain and display parking permits.
- Guest Parking: Guidelines for guest parking to ensure visitors also comply with our parking rules.
- Enforcement: Information on how we enforce parking rules, including the use of ANPR systems and ticketing for violations.
- Dispute Resolution: Procedures for resolving parking disputes between residents in a fair and timely manner.