Loss of prime MH parking in Weymouth Forums

EdsMH

Good news..... Smile

Got a response from the Dorset Echo that they have passed the email to their news desk and will look into the issue.

Sounds promising.

Ed

RogerMillar

Hi again

Bad news but a glimmer of hope. I went down into Weymouth this morning (by train!) and had a look at the car park with the height barrier by B&Q and unfortunately, unknown to me, the new signs state that it is run by 'network rail' (it still states that it is £10.00/day for coaches, but obviously under 2.1 metres). It seems that the council have an opt out for this one!

I tried the information office and, according to them I could use any of the council parks but would have to buy a ticket for all parking boxes used. The Swannery car park is probably the most suited so had a look. Unforunatley the spaces are so small that anything bigger than a mini would have a squeeze, so, I would need 4 tickets @ £1.30 = £5.20 per hour. It also states that caravans, lorries and coaches are banned and only caravanettes allowed between 08:00 and midnight - I would be worried of the wardens interpretation of caravanettes.

Then I rang the council parking office (01305 838236) and spoke to a lady who was really nice and was very helpful. "Park in any council car park" she said but confirmed that it would cost me £5.30/hour and she stated that I could not use any of the coach parking slots, they are for coaches only and I would attract a penalty charge even if I had paid the full whack. However, she did point out that there were no marked bays at Chesil beach or at Overcombe and I would only pay £1.60 for 2 hours. Chesil beach is about 3 miles from the centre and no convenient bus halt, but Overcombe can only be about a mile and there is a regular bus into town.

I think that I will stick to parking in Dorchester while I write to the council and suggest to them to allow MHs to use the coach parking at Lodmoor - being right next to the summer park & ride it would be convenient. Meanwhile my daughter will keep an eye on the "Echo" and I will pass on anything of relevance.

Regards, Roger (still wet and freezing)

annetony

I have had a phome call today from Weymouth Council. the Lady informed me that the car park in question actually belongs to British Rail, so they have no say about what they do.

She also said that we could use any of the council car parks as long as we pay for the amount of spaces we take up, how much they cost she didn't say,

makes a change for someone to actually reply so quickly Wink

naybe we hit a nerve Question

Anne

vmeldrew

EdsMH

I also thought the B&Q site was a Council one. Rolling Eyes

Hopefully the enquiries will help the cause for motorhome parking.

Will be interesting to see if the Dorset Echo does pick up on the issue.

Ed

Jobsworth

Hi it is a great pity that Weymouth council and others are virtually banning us motorhomers I think that it must be coverd somewhere under the human rights act .I have emailed my complaint and hope that all members join in

jobsworth

EdsMH

Hi All

Well I got a response from Weymouth saying it was not their car park and that they welcome motorhomes. No specifics other than we can park in any of their car parks but must pay for as many bays as we use. For us that would be 4 so not a lot of use and thats why coach bays are better.

I got a nice email from the Dorset Echo saying they were interested and I have had a chat with a nice lady reporter on the subject.

My gist was that councils should be encouraging motorhomes for their local economy and not discouraging them. Also that they should learn from the French and Germans with the facilities available.

To be balanced I did praise a couple of UK authorities who have a more enlightened approach like Canterbury and Shepway in Kent

I think they will be running the story to get a debate going and I suggested they might want to look in here to invite comments from our 23,000 members.

Hope this has helped

regards

Ed