The centre of Swanage is plagued with advertising boards blocking the pavements. People have to step into the street to avoid them. Shop and restaurant owners are not using common sense.
May I suggest an amount of clear pavement is maintained at all times? About the width of a double-buggy perhaps?
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Posted by Anonymous to swanage view at 9/14/2006 04:47:29 PM
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This has been reviewed by the town council.My understanding is that although the law already prevents people from causing such obstructions, in order to avoid any confusion I believe that notices will be sent to all such businesses advising them of their requirement not to block pavements (whether with A-boards or tables, chairs, plastic cows or potted plants). Those that subsequently cause problems will be prosecuted by the County Council. But this doesn't mean that the County Council can't prosecute any such people now anyway if it wishes.
Mike Hadley
As most pedestrians seem to favour the road these days - is this a problem?
It's not just boards that are a problem - in the course of my campaign to improve disabled access through more drop kerbs, many scooter users have told me about problems caused by cars parking on pavments.
The advice from Dorset Police is: "Phone 01202 222222 and we will get a police officer to attend." You'd have to be brave to do that, I reckon. But with regard to the boards being in the way, what's the matter with just moving them yourself?!
im led to beleive that 1.8 mtrs (6ft) is required between the board and kerb I know some places that try to do that and then theres others that wont/dont and the considerate businesses say s*d why do we bother because nowt happens to those who flout it I walked past a pub in lower high st near a phone box and the tables and chairs were almost touching said box but is anything done nope.
and steve its not only the pavements they park on they park in loading bays and cause all sorts of problems, I think if you park in a loading bay you should get double the penalty..
Why not pedestrianise Institute Road and the Lower High St?
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At 10:58 PM, David H said...
Why not pedestrianise Institute Road and the Lower High St?
End Quote
How would all the people who live on the South of town get to their homes? Of do you think that anyone on the south side should not be able to drive to their homes?
Steve say "But with regard to the boards being in the way, what's the matter with just moving them yourself?!" I've done this, and have been advised that legally you are interfering with other people's property, even if they are breaking the law! But I understand it's OK as long as you then put the obstruction back! Mike Hadley
Up Church hill and via Dulston
institute rd is pedestrianised now is it not most of em walk in the rd anyway and get really upset when a car comes along.
The Council should start with its own concessionaires and leasees. On the seafront they put out signs all over. Does the White House have planning permission for all those adverising boards?
For anybody who wants the official line, Purbeck District Council's advice is this:
"In order to establish in the first instance whether the board(s) are on a premises forecourt or the pavement, you need to contact Area Highways West (01305 225310 or areawest@dorsetcc.gov.uk).
"If they advise you that the board(s) are on the pavement then you would need to contact our Planning Enforcement Officer, Chris Frampton (01929 557394 or chrisframpton@purbeck-dc.gov.uk)."
Myself, I'll continue to go round them, move them, or turn round and go a different way.
I suppose it all depends on how you want to live your life!
Might this proliferation of tables and chairs on the pavement be connected with the imminent introduction of a smoking ban in pubs and cafes.
I have to say here that I'm not disabled.
The, for want of a better phrase, 'cafe culture' is actually quite attractive.
People sitting on the pavement, quaffing their coffee is quite a nice view.
Today, Sat 16-09, 3 or 4 motorcycles were 'parked' outside of the Purbeck - not blaming them - one of the bikes had moved an advertising board, parked his bike, and then put the advertising back into place.
I didn't see a single scowl as I walked passed it 4 or 5 times.
Mind you, the pavement is quite wide there.
but is not parking any motor vechile on the pavement an offence? or do the purbeck own that bit of pavement?
certainly is an offence to obstruct the pavement, no question about it. I have spoken to the county council before who have said traffic wardens can and should stop this, otherwise the police can
Please don't get me wrong. I too enjoy the arrival of 'pavement cafe' culture and believe it adds to the charm of Swanage. I'm all for it. But for some disabled people, advertising boards on the pavement can cause problems so it would be helpful if those concerned could be a little more considerate.
Sorry Steve, I'm the 10.27 post.
Didn't mean to offend, I couldn't agree with you more.
Memories of two months on crutches, give me an empathy with how bloody awful access can be.
Hey 'Anonymous of 10.27', no offence taken!
it's been mentioned many times before, but why don't we pedestrianise at least Station and Institute roads.
Reverse Church Hill.
Not too much of a problem, surely
Why not start with Jenkins to the Pier. No problem. To get access you go up Park Road,
Presumably Lifeboat crew on a "shout" would have to take that same route?
Yes: another good reason for reversing Church Hill. So for example if you are in New Swanage and need to get to ther Life Boat Station, not only can you not use Shore Road in the Summer but you have to go through the Town centre too. With Church Hill open you could be up in Durlston and down to Broad Road in no time.
Seems a bit "round the houses" to me.
but the other way you have three pedestrian crossings
Still believe the "through town route is quickest though.
All offending Boards, tables, chairs and motor bikes should be quietly removed and put in the 'lock-up' at the rear of the Town Hall and the owners made to pay to retrieve them. The money going into the Town Coffers.
There sorted.
RobO
Now that's called stealing other people's property!
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