Thanet council is to take action at Walpole Bay to enforce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that prevents all unauthorised vehicles from parking on any of Thanet’s promenades.
The council says the aim is to tackle persistent antisocial parking, overnight camping and littering – and add that ‘potential environmental hazards’ from this put Walpole Bay’s Seaside Award flag at risk.
Vehicle owners parked at the site could receive a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). They could also face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
An initial warning will be given. Vehicle owners will then have the opportunity to move their vehicle prior to an FPN being issued.
Signs that display the prohibition on parking are being installed. Warning Notices will also specifically direct motor homes and campervans to designated overnight parking spaces available in car parks across the district.
The PSPO makes provision for exceptions for any person who is registered blind or has a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
Thanet council says: “The council recognises the frustration of local residents regarding persistent issues with unauthorised parking, litter, and campervan encampments, particularly where vehicles obstruct vital emergency access at Hodges Gap.
“These encampments not only impact the beauty of the promenade, but they also pose a threat to bathing water quality and put the area’s prestigious Seaside Award at risk.
“As well as the immediate actions, in the future there will be physical restrictions in place to allow continued access for authorised users while preventing unauthorised parking.”
Thanet council’s Cabinet member for community, Cllr Heather Keen, said: “It is regrettable that we are in this position but it’s vital that we act now to address the health and safety issues that have arisen and the potential environmental hazards that this causes.
“Without these changes Walpole Bay’s Seaside flag award could be at risk and we can’t let that happen.”
Last year outraged swimmers who use the Walpole Bay tidal pool said a ‘sudden’ council ban on all vehicle parking at Hodges Gap meant disabled swimmers could no longer access the pool, the sea cadets couldn’t launch their boats and kayakers and paddleboarders were also prevented from using the area.
In response the council said fines would only be issued when emergency service access was blocked but this new announcement means a harder line is now to be followed.
A petition against the parking ban has been launched. It says “While it’s crucial to protect our natural habitats, it must not come at the expense of community accessibility and inclusion. If these proposals come into force, many within our community will face insurmountable challenges simply trying to reach the terrain they have enjoyed for years. The cost and effort required to find alternate means of transport are simply prohibitive for many, effectively excluding those with the most need to access this vital seaside amenity.
“We must prioritise a balanced solution. We propose a managed parking initiative that maintains the safety and beauty of our coastline without disenfranchising our community members. Specifically, creating designated parking areas closer to key access points for everyone including priority spots for the elderly, families, and individuals with mobility constraints.”
Find the petition at: https://www.change.org/p/protect-walpole-parking-for-everyone
Plans for regeneration at Walpole Bay include a new café, a restored lift, showers and toilets.
The cafe build was originally planned to be sited on the promenade immediately facing the Walpole tidal pool.
The proposal now consists of a scaled down scheme relocated to the east of Hodge’s Gap.
The proposal removes parking from the promenade and consists of a two storey café, with a large glazed front opening up views towards the tidal pool. At the rear of the building, there will be a compact kitchen and storeroom site below a mezzanine seating area. During fair weather, café seating could be extended onto the deck to the north of the building. The café will have 30 seats, 20 inside and 10 outside.
it seems to me , there is an obsession with parking fines in thanet , we have more traffic wardens wandering about than policeman , the qeqm hospital is just the same – its more stressful parking than going to see a specialist , the whole thing is a massive money scheme , and motorists are an easy target
I’ve never seen a parking warden in Thanet which is disappointing given the terrible parking in the area 🤷🏻♂️
We need bigger cars, cars these days are too small not even bigger than busses yet, nearly but they could be so much bigger.
An initial warning will be given. Will this be a notice attached to campers/vehicles windscreens, including evidence photos? Or will it be carried out by a lone civil enforcement operative talking to van occupants who may not be so happy with being woken up and the advice? Hopefully, civil enforcement operatives are accompanied by SIA security staff from a local company.
Some TDC car parks have designated camper van parking spaces that are larger but difficult to locate because the white lines on the car park surface have worn away and are usually occupied by a car. Saves camper vans, which don’t fit in a standard car bay paying for 2 adjacent parking bays. If only….
TDC could update their information on the RinGo app re camper vans. Make it clear from the start.
Currently there are no signs up informing pople of this, so not legal in my opinion. Local authorities must follow strict legal standards, such as the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD), which mandate visible signs and road markings for enforcement.There is also some debate as to whether the council actually own this land. Rumour has it it was bequeathed to the people of Margate.
Why stop there? Let’s ban folk not only from having fun, but from visiting. That’ll sort it.
Just focus on the basics like collecting our rubbish. This Council is appalling in every way. Can we organise street parties when they finally get abolished ?
No. You need approval from council for street parties. Lol
You mean the same kinds of street parties that create additional, unnecessary waste?
Humans. Aficionados of hypocrisy
I’ll get my coat.
Why not just ban the problem vehicles from parking down there and enforce that? Why are you banning all vehicles including cars who just visit for an hour or two from parking there?
So, if a dozen or so Travelers vans turn up will they be moved on or fined, no because the Police are scared of them.