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nandnjudge

Last week I was in Queensfeery (not that far from Wrexham), I noticed in both the Asda and Lidle car parks height barriers were being installed restricting entry only to cars and low vans and in the case of Asda no available alternative car parking spacenearby. It was interesting to note in the case of Lidle the barrier was knocked down soon after being installed. I suspect these new measures will be an inconveniance to those who use their vechicles 7 days a week. Has any one got any idea why we as motorcaravan users have been singled out or are we the unfortunate ones to suffer because of other peoples behavour.

What is happening in your area ?

Is there any way our concerns can be heard to the people that make these decisions. ?

nukeadmin · Site Admin

the usual reason height barriers are installed is to prevent "new age travellers" and the like taking a liking to the car park and using it as their own personal space, this unfortunately affects those who would use it in the normal fashion i.e. MHers

twooks

Begs the question tho. if new age travellers want to shop at Asda??, they won't be able to! Surprised at WalMart! Shame on you

IKEA at Warrington tried the same thing, but had a high level entry option with buzz alarm to get someone to raise the barrier, the barrier now seems permanently up - and I don't shop there any more. Just send a letter to their head office.
MMM did have a campaign going about where to park, and writing to local councils, but I've not had a magazine for ages so don't know the latest.
But, there is a thread somewhere on here about where to park!
A case of over-reaction yet again, I'm sick of height barriers and refuse to patronise anywhere that has them when I'm in the car, this is yet another reason why I prefer to pay the ferry charges and go to mainland Europe.
Cool

dodger148

We have three Asdas in Warrington the only one without a height barrier is the one with the pay car park - result most motorhomers go half a mile down the road to Sainsburys or up the A49 to Morrisons - vote with your wheels and wallet. Twooks mentions IKEA, their next door neighbours M&S have the most stupid and dangerous car park, you are more or less pushed into driving in and reversing out. This is bad enough in a car (refer to IAM /ROSPA) but in a motorhome well !!

Drifter

There was a supermarket near me which had installed height barriers, so I just sent an email to the Fire Brigade pointing out that this would delay access in the event of a fire in the store.

The height barriers were removed the same day.

Essencially, height barriers to car parks of buildings should only be installed as a safety measure, for example underground car parks. Otherwise, hight barriers should be removed, this is especially the case when there are 'dry risers' inside the restricted area.

Wite a letter to the fire brigade !
Drifter.

twooks

Good idea Drifter, maybe that's one way forward for stores, and carry on pinting out to councils that if you can't park then you can't spend any money.
P + R in York has designated area for MH and over height vehicles, whcih can't be nicked by cars - which is what usually happens - cos it has a barrier openend by staff - BUT, it seemed to have been suspended over Christmas period.

Dodger - I cheat on the M&S car park, go in at IKEA end, turn right into no entry park facing in the direction of exit, at top of row and nip out the wrong way - total distance of wrong way driving is 20 - 30 yards at most! Only works when it is quiet ish, but I only go there then. Cool

banjo

For my sins, I work in Local Government and have been pestering my colleagues in Parking Services about suitable motorhome parking areas. The info I have from Chester City Council is that all of their Park and Ride sites have an area for 'overheight vehicles' (although he did admit that at peak times other vehicles park in them) and that there is a designated area at the Little Roodee car park in the city centre for coaches and other large vehicles. The price is the same as for a car.
Interestingly, he asked me if I would be willing to discuss future plans for ....'a significant improvement of the facilities (for motorhomes) at the Little Roodee'..... of course, I agreed and from what he has said so far, I think it might be something quite useful! I will keep you posted and continue to pester other colleagues in other parts of Cheshire. If anyone is thinking of visiting Chester and wants details of how to get to the Little Roodee - just ask!

dodger148

Thanks for info banjo, keep us posted.

nandnjudge

Banjo thanks for that useful info re Chester. Although I live in the IOM , my self and other residents of the IOM motorhome owners in particular head for Chester. Everything is so expensive here. I belong to an IOM motorhome club so please keep me posted and I will pass it on to the other IOM members. Im in Chester today just to get off the IOM to see a few different faces.