Car parking scheme Frequently Asked Questions

This living document is intended to capture not only the details of the scheme's proposed implementation, but also all arguments for and against having such a scheme. Given recent feedback about the scheme, you are warmly invited to join the OW2000 'talk' email mailing list and express your own opinions.

Is the scheme active yet?

No. Thank you to all residents who provided feedback on the proposed parking scheme. Please rest assured that OWRA is dedicated to acting in the best interests of all owners and residents, and on the basis of that feedback has consequently arranged for the scheme to be suspended, in order to give residents an opportunity to engage in a more detailed discussion. The aim of that discussion is to reconsider any possible parking problems and to determine a mutually acceptable solution.

As an interim measure it is planned to use the parking labels, as issued, simply to facilitate residents' parking and also to provide an indication of parking bay usage, nothing more.

OWRA would much appreciate residents reading the document below, then signing up to the 'talk' email mailing list and sharing their views in an open forum. If you have any feedback, please send it to the list as soon as possible. Thank you!

Why has the scheme been proposed?

• Security and safety
• As recently happened with a break-in to one of the flats in Phase 1 of the development, burglars are very much assisted in the amount they can steal by being able to park onsite.
• Complaints from residents that their bays are regularly occupied by others
• Several bays are regularly being used by non-residents
• The site does not have any dedicated bays for visitors
• Therefore ensuring bays are only used by residents will assist in allowing visitors/contractors access to the development.

How does the scheme work?

Essentially, every flat is given one parking permit sticker for each parking bay that they are legally entitled to use. The sticker should be permanently displayed in your windscreen to avoid the risk of being clamped.

Why were residents not consulted before the scheme was implemented?

The scheme was proposed in the OW2000 Newsletter a few months ago. Residents have also been invited several times over the last 12 months to join the "Talk" e-mail list and share their views on all issues relating to the site.

At what times of the week are cars without permit stickers liable to be clamped?

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

What if I forget to display my permit sticker?

The number on the permit does not match your flat number, so there is no security risk from leaving your sticker in the windscreen at all times.

Why does the number on the permit not match my flat number?

This is so that if your car is parked elsewhere, there is no risk that someone can infer that your flat is likely to be empty and is therefore a better target for burglary.

Is the permit valid for any car that I want to park in my bay?

Yes, the permits are transferable.

Why haven't I received a permit sticker?

Permits were sent to all flat owners - one for each parking bay that you are legally entitled to. If you are an owner and have not received a permit, please contact LRM immediately. If you are a tenant and have not received one, please contact your landlord.

Why can't the scheme be based on registration plates rather than stickers?

In practice it is too difficult to keep track of cars this way.

How much will the scheme cost us?

There are no costs to anyone on an ongoing basis, and permits are issued free of charge. There was a once-off cost of £50 for printing the permit stickers.

What if I lose my permit?

Any lost permits will be replaced at a cost of £20 and will be marked with the number (2) to indicate to the clampers that it is a replacement. Any stolen permits i.e. through cars being broken into or stolen, will be replaced free of charge as long as a crime reference number is provided.

What does it cost for someone to have their car unclamped?

This is stated on the yellow notices in the car park: it costs £120, and a further charge of £195 plus £40 per day for storage if the vehicle needs to be removed.

How will visitors know that a clamping scheme is in operation?

There are yellow signs displayed around the car park.

What if I have more than one car?

If the property title deeds include more than one bay then your flat's landlord should receive a permit sticker for each bay. If not then you are not legally entitled to park more than one car on the site. However, some residents have already quite happily resolved this by negotiating with their neighbours. If you are not sure which of your neighbours may have unused bays spare, the concierge will be able to help suggest which neighbours you should contact.

What if someone is parking in my bay?

Liaise with the concierge to arrange for an alternative parking space until such times as the offending vehicle is removed.

What if I have friends, family, or service vehicles paying short visits?

Visitors, workmen, delivery services etc. arriving within clamping hours can obtain a temporary permit from the concierge which will be valid for four hours.

What if visitors arrive and the concierge is temporarily unavailable?

The concierge is very rarely away from the block A lobby for very long, and the clamping company has been prohibited from clamping without first checking with the concierge.

What if I have friends or family staying overnight or for several nights?

If they are only staying at the weekend then they are parking outside the hours affected by the scheme. If they need to park during business hours, you can ask one of your neighbours if you can temporarily use their bay. If you are not sure which of your neighbours may have unused bays spare, the concierge will be able to help suggest which neighbours you should contact.

Also note that street parking is free from 5.30pm each evening and free all weekend up to 8.30am on Monday.

I heard that car clamping companies tend to be sharks on the look-out for profit, and operate on a "if in doubt, clamp" policy.

We have specifically requested that the clamping company must check with the concierge in every case before clamping.

What if my vehicle is declared as SORN?

We have specifically requested that the clamping company do not clamp based on tax discs.

What if my vehicle's tax disc has expired but it is not declared as SORN?

We have specifically requested that the clamping company do not clamp based on tax discs.

What are the disadvantages of the scheme?

• Minor inconveniences to residents/concierge every time visitors come for short stays, since temporary permits need to be issued.
• Bigger inconveniences every time visitors come for longer stays, since residents need to find an owner in advance who is willing to lend them a permit.
• Extra work for the concierge.