Home >> council >> departments >> planning >> carparks07/09/2008 10:55:17

Car Parking - General Questions

 

Can I buy a season ticket?

Annual and quarterly season tickets are available for long stay car parks only, by application to the Parking Services Department. The Application Form is here.(55 Kb) An image of a PDF icon

 

Where can I park if I am a disabled badge holder?

There are a large number of conveniently situated bays reserved for disabled badge holders, throughout the town.

 

Where can I park my motorbike?

Solo motorcycles may park free of charge in any of the areas within the car parks specifically marked for motorcycle use. If there is no are specifically marked for motorcycles (sometimes indicated by m/c) then you may park in other marked bays that are not otherwise restricted, for example you could not park in a Disabled Bay.

 

Why do I have to pay for parking?

You have to pay for parking in any car park in the town centre. In addition to raising income to pay for maintenance of existing and provision of new car parks, charges also ensure an adequate turnover of parking spaces for shoppers and short term visitors. If the Council did not charge, the cost of maintenance would fall on Council Tax payers and car park visitors would make no contribution.

 

Why don't you pay for the car parks' maintenance with savings you would make if you no longer needed to employ Enforcement staff?

Even if parking was free, patrolling would still be required to provide a regular supply of convenient parking spaces for shoppers. A maximum period of waiting would need to be introduced, and this, together with other regulations would still need to be enforced. Enforcement staff also act as a deterrent to crime.

 

Why don't you provide change machines?

Change machines are an inviting target for theft. The very nature of the machines requires that they be full of cash at all times. No cash is left in ticket machines overnight. The Council may consider introducing a scheme for payment by cards. Change is provided in the Pay on Foot car park payment machines, Osborn Road Multi Storey Car Park and Market Quay Car Park.

 

Why don't I get a refund if I pay for an hour and only stay for five minutes?

The charging structure is such that any stay up to one hour is the same charge. The Council is very aware of the competition from "out of town" shopping stores and neighbouring local authorities and these factors are borne in mind when setting the parking fees.

 

Why can't I pick someone up and drop someone off in the car parks?

You can, but you must comply with the parking regulations by stopping in a marked bay and purchasing a parking ticket.

 

The car parks are provided for the off-street parking of vehicles. If casual setting down/picking up were to be allowed, congestion would cause delays and frustration to car park users.

 

Why do you insist on the ticket being stuck to the windscreen?

A ticket on the dashboard can turn over when the car door is closed. If stuck on a side window and it falls it will disappear from view. If stuck on the windscreen just above the dashboard, it will probably still be visible to the Enforcement Officer on the dashboard should it fall.

 

For further information on parking in Fareham Town Centre or for any other details please contact the Parking Department in the Department of Regulatory Services on tel: 01329 236100 ext: 2355 or e-mail parkingservices@fareham.gov.uk.