Motorists urged to park properly at tourist destinations

While local authorities across the UK are ready to offer a warm welcome to visitors, warnings have been made about a repeat of scenes from previous years that saw a minority of motorists parking irresponsibly, causing chaos and frustration for residents and businesses in and around visitor destinations.

These communities are now preparing for another year of managing the increased demand placed on staycation hotspots, including providing additional parking facilities in anticipation of the higher number of motorists.

The parking sector, both public and private, believe everyone needs to play their part by only parking where it is legally permitted, helping ensure that streets and communities are kept safe, free from congestion, and can be enjoyed by all.

Government is also being urged to increase the options and sanctions available to local authorities to tackle the worst offenders. These measures could see an increase in the top level of penalties as evidence from last summer shows that the current rates are not an effective deterrent to antisocial and selfish parking.

Kelvin Reynolds, BPA Director of Corporate and Public Affairs said: “There is good reason to anticipate that some people will ignore the rules, causing obstruction and endangering the lives of other road users, especially pedestrians.  If we all do what’s right, residents as well as visitors can enjoy the holiday season. In short, we’re asking motorists to “Be kind – park with others in mind.”

The impact of so many people thinking antisocial behaviour and poor parking is acceptable is that it increases congestion, contributing to additional pollution and rising frustration from people living in these areas.  Journey times for emergency vehicles get longer, people who are disabled or visually impaired or parents with pushchairs are forced into the path of moving vehicles.

The BPA’s Selfish Parker campaign encourages people to respect others and think before they park. Parking restrictions exist for a reason and ‘It’s not OK to park, where it’s not OK to park’. The BPA has some top tips for those planning to visit tourist hot spots:

• Plan your visit – search the location for parking facilities and if possible, book parking in advance
• Find alternatives – to the most popular parking locations by parking further away from your final destination, this could save you time too
• Park responsibly - only park where it is permitted, respect the people living in the community you are visiting and be kind
• Don’t obstruct – pavements, private driveways, or impede access for emergency vehicles
• Don’t litter - take it home with you or find a rubbish bin
• Don’t be idle – turn your engine off when in stationary traffic or when you are parked