MOtorway Services Parking Charges - cop out by Highways Agency?

Coupon-mad

Well I was just researching Motorway Services Area parking charges and was pleased at first when I found this in a recent consultation document:


http://www1.harrogate.gov.uk/msadocuments/SECTION_1/MSA-1-23.pdf

''there has recently been a significant increase in the number of complaints made regarding the pricing and charging systems used for overnight parking at motorway service areas. There are also concerns about the charging structures for overnight parking at truckstops, and this has consequences for driver safety and welfare, as well as creating displaced parking issues.
Concern has been raised whereby should drivers inadvertently park for more than 2 hours without prior payment (e.g. if they fall asleep while resting) they may become liable to penalty charges that are disproportionate to the problem caused.
Unlike other operational matters, the issue of parking and encouraging people to rest while driving is inextricably linked to road safety and there is concern that penalty charges could discourage drivers from taking appropriate rest breaks.
It has been suggested that the policy for future MSAs should seek to prevent this problem.
Later in this draft policy (as a footnote to [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Table 2[/FONT][/FONT]) the following text has been suggested: "Charges for parking beyond the 2 hour period should be clearly displayed at regular intervals in the parking area, at the entrance to the amenity building and inside the amenity building on easy-to-read, well lit, signs set at eye level – minimum font of 100 is recommended for display of charges. In addition, consideration should be given to not charging for parking between 12am and 6am when demand for spaces is less prevalent."

It is suggested that this clause will apply for all parking types (including lorry parking at Motorway Truckstops). Another issue regarding parking charges, which is being consulted upon by way of this consultation question, is the alteration of parking charges with regards to overstaying the free 2 hour period and the appropriate mechanism for payment of subsequent charges. This issue has been brought to the attention of the Agency via numerous complaints from road users, and as such, the Under-Secretary for Transport has committed to reviewing the matter with operators.
Currently, roadside facilities offer 2 hours free parking, with penalty charges in place for vehicles that exceed this limit. The Agency’s appreciates that there needs to be a balance between the turnover of parking spaces and ensuring that drivers can relax and rest before continuing their onward journey.
As a consequence, it is proposed that all new roadside facilities should allow retrospective payment of standard parking charges and to prohibit penalty charges in these instances, while maintaining a duty for operators to set parking charges at a "reasonable" level. This would mean that where a driver inadvertently over-stays the 2 hour limit and leaves the site they would be able to pay the normal parking charges at a later date. If these parking charges were not paid, or a driver deliberately over-stays the free 2 hour threshold, then penalty charges should come into force. ''



Well now I hope I am wrong but the only draft policy I can find related to that consultation (now closed to comments, unfortunately) is this:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/73173/strategic-road-network-policy.pdf

and under the heading Parking Charges you see this, and ONLY this:

Parking charges
'' B.24
At all types of site, where a charge is to be levied for parking beyond the mandatory two free hours, the charging regime must be clearly displayed within both the parking areas and the amenity building. Drivers must at all times be afforded the opportunity to pay the charge on the site, before leaving and without the need of a mobile phone. Cash payments must be accepted. ''


Someone please tell me I am wrong?! Looks as if lobbyists have not prevented the intentions of the Highways Agency by crushing that 'reasonable charges' plan...?

Something to get your MPs to take up with the Under-Secretary for Transport (whoever he/she is?)!

outlook2013

The signage at most motorway services is ridiculous, in my experience it rarely meets the BPA guidelines, let alone those which would be required for any contract to have been formed (other legal issues aside)

Many have no entry signs, a lot of the signage is unlit.

Some of the signage is decades old - in particular I refer to CP Plus at the services on A34 just south of Tot Hill - where the entire sign has faded and is almost entirely blank. Infact, that whole service area is close to being abandoned, it must be the last remaining Little Chef around!

Some times the entry signage is present, but is located on the slip road (where it is dangerous and illegal to stop) and is out of the direction of headlights.

Where the service areas are split up into Cars/Caravans/Trucks/etc the signage is often inadequate across all the areas. Indeed, I often park up outside the main parking areas of services where is often no signage at all.


Then there's the fact that trying to pay in the early hours is often impossible, I often stop at services in the early hours and outside of the big ones (e.g. Fleet on the M3) they're usually completely abandoned (Rownhams on the M27 is incredibly creepy at 3AM!)

You've also got the fact that these ANPR operated cameras can't deal with things like Motorway closures and the such like that result in people getting 'locked' into the services.

But the most ridiculous thing are the 'Have you paid? Pay now by phoning...' signs on the exit slip. So as I accelerate to ~70MPH and try to merge in with the motorway, I'm expected to note this sign and the phone number?

Frankly it's about time someone sorts them out, but I don't expect it to come anytime soon.

The_Slithy_Tove

Good to see that they fail to understand they can't issue penalties, yet they persist in using the word.

Hovite_2

Coupon-mad wrote: »

Something to get your MPs to take up with the Under-Secretary for Transport (whoever he/she is?)!

I'd suggest the Secretary for Transport rather than the Under-Secretary but he's hardly likely to listen to you or I

nigelbb

This would mean that where a driver inadvertently over-stays the 2 hour limit and leaves the site they would be able to pay the normal parking charges at a later date.

This should be the norm at any pay & display car park too.