New parking restrictions in Christchurch

New restrictions will come into effect soon limiting parking or stopping vehicles in certain parts of Christchurch.

Stopping vehicles on verges will be prohibited on the following roads: Salisbury Road, Stony Lane, Fairmile/Hurn Road, Bure Close.

New signs will be placed on these roads at intervals to indicate the restriction but yellow lines are not needed. Any soil or non-surfaced area counts as verge – it does not need to have grass or plants on it.

New signs and markings are also being put in place at taxi ranks to show that only licensed taxis are allowed to stop there. A broad yellow line similar those used at bus stops will be painted on the road to indicate the ranks.

Finally, From 1 February 2010 the Council will have powers to issue penalty charge notices to anyone who parks irresponsibly across dropped kerbs or who double parks.

Contravening any of these restrictions could lead to a £70 penalty charge.

Cllr Nick Geary, portfolio holder for Transport at Christchurch Council, said: “All of these restrictions are being introduced to make it easier for people to get around. Parking on verges not only damages the verge but it could also hold up traffic trying to get past the stopped vehicle.

“Taxis provide an essential service to many people in the community and this service can be seriously affected if the ranks are blocked by parked or loading vehicles.

“Parking at a dropped kerb could stop people getting into their properties or make it difficult for people with pushchairs or mobility problems to cross the road at the crossing points near junctions. Double parking could hold up traffic or even stop someone parked lawfully from getting out.

“All of these actions are thoughtless and irresponsible and we now have the powers to deal with them for the benefit of the community as a whole.”