Thanet council says it has installed No Parking signs at promenades across the isle to tackle concerns about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists and in response to complaints from residents.
Warning signs, which highlight the possibility of motorists being slapped with a £500 fine, have been put in place at sites including Fort Promenade near the Cliftonville Lido.
The Fort Promenade sign prompted some public anger and confusion from those who have parked at the site for a number of years.
A Thanet council spokesperson said: “Vehicles parking on our coastal promenades cause safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists. We are currently addressing this worsening issue around the Thanet coastline.
“All of our designated promenades are subject to “Regulating The Seashore and Promenades 1992” byelaws that prohibit parking. This byelaw is enforceable by the police and designated officers of the council.
“The council has the power to prosecute the registered keeper or driver of any vehicle driven onto the promenade without lawful agreement, right or privilege. The maximum fine the court can impose on an offender is £500.
‘Concerns for safety’
“To raise awareness and remind motorists of these byelaws we have installed new signage at a number of promenade locations around the district – including at Fort Promenade to the west of the Lido. This is not a new restriction – Fort Promenade is included in Thanet District Council’s schedule of promenades and incorporates the Viking Trail, part of the National Cycle Network.
“We are taking action as a result of concerns about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists using this section of the Viking Trail. We have also received complaints from residents who have raised similar concerns and we have a duty of care to ensure that the public are able to use the promenade safely.
“We also have concerns about the promenade surface being unsuitable for the current volumes of cars manoeuvring and parking there. Moreover, there are highway safety issues; the entrance to this area is very close to a pedestrian crossing on one side, and a bus stop on the other.
“We appreciate that residents and businesses have been parking in this area unchallenged for some time, however, public safety is our main concern. We will be monitoring the area closely over the next few weeks and we will keep residents and businesses informed.”
