Hanham Community Centre
  Our mission is to provide a clean, safe and welcoming venue to the community which, through its facilities and activities, allows people to learn and develop skills, socialise and gain friendships.  
   
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Car Parking
Information Page

Standard Conditions of Use


HCC car park is a PRIVATE car park. Only visitors (and staff) of the community centre may use the car park. We do not permit public parking, overnight parking or resident parking (without a parking permit).

Background

Over the past 2 years the car park has been increasing used for “long term” parking by both residents and people travelling into Bath and Bristol. On many occasions this has meant users of the centre could not park, and this will impact on the usage (and hence income) of the centre. The Trustees have looked at several options to address this, including pay & display, a variety of user permits, and expanding the car park - all are still possible options for the future, with our preference being to expand the car park). But, initially with the expected arrival of a certain amount of public parking (albeit for 3hrs) at Tesco, the Trustees made the decision to make the car park for centre use only; as providing parking facilities for the users is their priority. Link to our official Public Statement

FAQs

Will residents be able to park? The short answer is No - residents are not visiting the centre so will be issued with a parking charge notice if they park in the car park.
However, once the system has settled in, and we can properly gauge the number of vacant spaces, we will review this. We may consider a small number of resident permits - but how much and how these will be allocated is yet to be considered.
Can a disable person park? Yes, but only if they are visiting the centre - and display a Blue Badge. Anyone parking in the disabled spaces not visiting the centre or not displaying a blue badge will be charged.
What if I attend a party and have a few drinks? If you are attending a function/party, you should ask for an overnight permit (until noon the following day) from the Bar Steward - they will take your contact details. (Permits will only issued a certain number of times per annum per registration plate number).
Who will enforce the charges? The Trustees will be employing Premier Parking (a BPA member) to manage ticketing enforcement, payment collection and handle court cases.
Can I park to go to the library or post office? No - not really. As you are not attending a class, club, event or activity at the centre, you can no longer park in the centre's car park.
I’m a member - can I park? Yes, as long as you are attending an event or activity at the centre; otherwise, No.
Doesn't the council own the car park? No, the car park and centre is owned and operated as a registered charity, governed by a Board of Trustees. The centre's goal is to provide activities and facilities for the inhabitants of Hanham; the car park is an ancillary enabler.
Can I park to drop my children off for school? Yes, we will permit the dropping off and collection of children to relieve the congestion outside the schools. This will be between 8:30am and 9:30am, and 2:45pm and 3:30pm - term times only. It will be reviewed annually from 1 Sept; and reported here on the website. The current permission is until the end of the summer term (2015).
Can I park here for the Methodist Church? No, please use the Methodist Church car park, or street parking in the area. We cannot accommodate "overflow" from their car park.
Are you doing this to make a profit? No, we would have probably moved to "pay and display" if we wanted to make a profit. As a non-profit charity our primary aim is to free up spaces for centre users. Depending on the enforcement company selected - they retain all charges collected. With the cost of notices, this will be a cost to the centre, and not create an income.
Why wasn't there any community consultation? Actually there was. Last year, there were articles in the Observer, The Week and our own Newsletter - all with dates of two public meetings to discuss the options.
What about the impact on Hanham High Street trade? This may have an impact in the short term, and we will monitor this - if we find we have many used spaces we will of course review this policy. However, the new Tesco store opening later this year - which will have a lot of parking spaces with a 3hr parking limit should alleviate our reduction in spaces. If we were able to expand the car park (even on a temporary basis) to have a public area, we would certainly consider it.
Can Traders park during business hours? Yes. We now have available a small number of Trader Parking Permits which can be applied for from the office. (Trader Permits)
If I attend an activity and park in the car park, can I nip to the shops/bank after? Yes. If you attend an event or activity lasting longer than 45mins, you will be able to park for 1hr and visit the High St. But please be aware, the car park is checked 2-3 times daily so please don't exceed this period.
If I have a query about a Parking Charge Notice you should I contact. Please contact Premier Parking as detailed on the PCN. The centre is unable to handle queries once PCNs have been issued.
Are you doing anything to stop "the rat run" through the car park? Yes, we are looking at having a barrier at the High St when the centre is closed.

More Questions?

Then why not email us at parking@hanhamcentre.org, or pop into the office. The staff can explain what will happen, but will not engage into any discussions on why - this has been agreed (after much consideration) by the Trustees.



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Last updated: 11 Mar 2024