First time i've been into Newbury for ages today - and got a parking ticket..
Parked in the small carpark next to Funeral directors near Northcroft - it was empty.
Left the car at 17:05pm (made a call on my phone as i left so i know the exact time..) Met up with the person i was collecting on Northbrook street Returned to the car at 17:17 - had a ticket... Car was watched from 17:08 until 17:14 - ticket issued at 17:14. What ever happened to 15 minutes grace?
tOsspots
Shall be avoiding Newbury again now, filthy sh1t hole anyway.
First time i've been into Newbury for ages today - and got a parking ticket..
Parked in the small carpark next to Funeral directors near Northcroft - it was empty.
Left the car at 17:05pm (made a call on my phone as i left so i know the exact time..) Met up with the person i was collecting on Northbrook street Returned to the car at 17:17 - had a ticket... Car was watched from 17:08 until 17:14 - ticket issued at 17:14. What ever happened to 15 minutes grace?
tOsspots
So, if I read this correctly, you parked in a pay and display car park without buying a ticket, wandered off into town, came back nearly a quater of an hour later, and now you are complaining that you got a ticket? And you're calling the traffic wardens tosspots?
Shall be avoiding Newbury again now, filthy sh1t hole anyway
Interesting that, because you got caught out trying to park without a ticket, you wont be coming into Newbury any more. As if it's anyone's fault but your own
Anyway, I wish you luck trying to park in car parks in other towns without buying a ticket.
Is it pay and display? I wouldn't know as I always walk or cycle into town as I live close enough. If I recall there is a free car park near Northcroft, but I've no idea if it's the one he parked in.
The fact is that the lack of free parking puts off those from out of town that want to pop into one shop only.
Is it pay and display? I wouldn't know as I always walk or cycle into town as I live close enough. If I recall there is a free car park near Northcroft, but I've no idea if it's the one he parked in.
The fact is that the lack of free parking puts off those from out of town that want to pop into one shop only.
I only popped into one shop today, the opticians. I was in there nearly an hour. Would I be justified in not buying a parking permit?
The fact is that the lack of free parking puts off those from out of town that want to pop into one shop only.
The same is true for pretty much any town though. Although some seem to think that it's something that only affects Newbury. Often they complain about the lack of parking, and then say that they'll shop elsewhere. I'd like to know what directly comparable towns there are close by (so that the cost of driving to and from these places doesn't become an issue), that have plentiful free parking no more than a couple of minutes walk from the town centre.
But the fact is that there is plenty of FREE parking around the town if you know where to look (and even if you're reasonably new to the town they're not exactly hidden away). Cheap Street it's free but limited to one hour (or is it two?). Kings Road West it's four hours (if you can find a space because the Post Office workers get in early and claim those spots). West Mills - various types of parking, some where you can park all day for free. North end of town there are slots on Pelican Lane just outside the P&D car park... Even more around if you are willing to walk about 200m.... There's even free at Sainsbury's as long as you're back within a couple of hours...... I never pay for parking
If you don't want to get a ticket when you park in somewhere that charges, then perhaps BUY a ticket.....
(And since when did ANYWHERE allow a whole FIFTEEN MINUTES (!!) grace?? Five minutes maybe.... but 15 is kicking the backside....)
What irritates me about that car park is the way the pay and display machines handle charges around 6pm. I was a running a bit late for a 6pm meeting in town and so decided to park at the little park on the corner of West St and Northcroft Lane getting there at about 5.50. I shoved a quid in for an hour's parking (charge as stated on the sign) and pressed the green button. The ticket appeared and I grabbed it and headed back to my car to put it on the dash - fortunately I noticed that is had only given me half an hour of parking before I wandered off. Why?
It seems that the 6pm cut off for the evening charge means that I had to pay 50p for the 10 minutes to 6 and then £1 for the evening and could not simply pay for the hour I needed even though it started before 6. In the end it cost me £2.50 as I had to get another ticket.
Amazing 40 years ago man walked on the moon and we still cannot get a parking machine to charge for the amount of time used or to cope with the time/charge change over period.
Amazing 40 years ago man walked on the moon and we still cannot get a parking machine to charge for the amount of time used or to cope with the time/charge change over period.
They can, they just dont want to. It's the same as "No Change Given". They could use machines that give change, but they choose not to in the knowledge that they will get an increased revenue from people that don't have the exact change on them.
It's a bit like the "EXACT CHANGE ONLY" buses then. Gawd knows what foreign visitors make of them.... If you don't happen to have the right amount of shrapnel you can't get a ride..... Very irritating.
Has that problem with the ticket machines for the car park been reported?
Although some seem to think that it's something that only affects Newbury. Often they complain about the lack of parking, and then say that they'll shop elsewhere.
I'd like to know what directly comparable towns there are close by (so that the cost of driving to and from these places doesn't become an issue), that have plentiful free parking no more than a couple of minutes walk from the town centre.
OK ... Wallingford - first 2 hours free Wantage - 2 hours free at both Sainsburys and Waitrose, both no more than a minute or two from the main square. Didcot - 2 hours free at Sainsburys (central), 1 hour free off the Broadway, 30 mins free along the Broadway (outside banks, shops etc) Abingdon - room for improvement here, but 1 hour 30 mins free at Waitrose (central). Adequate for a quick shop if you know where & what you want.
Cost of driving to and from these places is about the same as to Newbury for us. Obviously if you live IN Newbury or its immediate environs it would be an issue, but a lot of people don't.
OK ... Wallingford - first 2 hours free Wantage - 2 hours free at both Sainsburys and Waitrose, both no more than a minute or two from the main square. Didcot - 2 hours free at Sainsburys (central), 1 hour free off the Broadway, 30 mins free along the Broadway (outside banks, shops etc) Abingdon - room for improvement here, but 1 hour 30 mins free at Waitrose (central). Adequate for a quick shop if you know where & what you want.
Cost of driving to and from these places is about the same as to Newbury for us. Obviously if you live IN Newbury or its immediate environs it would be an issue, but a lot of people don't.
Similarly parking is free at Sainsburys and Waitrose in Newbury.
Similarly parking is free at Sainsburys and Waitrose in Newbury.
Much further away than the examples I gave.
Quoted Text
Wallingford is a quarter of the size of Newbury.
So what? Size isn't everything ... Wallingford rejoices in a a plethora of small independent shops, and is refreshingly lacking in dull generic chainstores.
So what? Size isn't everything ... Wallingford rejoices in a a plethora of small independent shops, and is refreshingly lacking in dull generic chainstores.
You need to compare like with like it to have any credibility.
You're comparing council car parks with private car parks and towns much smaller than Newbury.
OK ... Wallingford - first 2 hours free Wantage - 2 hours free at both Sainsburys and Waitrose, both no more than a minute or two from the main square. Didcot - 2 hours free at Sainsburys (central), 1 hour free off the Broadway, 30 mins free along the Broadway (outside banks, shops etc) Abingdon - room for improvement here, but 1 hour 30 mins free at Waitrose (central). Adequate for a quick shop if you know where & what you want.
Cost of driving to and from these places is about the same as to Newbury for us. Obviously if you live IN Newbury or its immediate environs it would be an issue, but a lot of people don't.
<sigh> I said directly comparable towns . Those towns you mentioned don't have anywhere near the same amount of shops that Newbury has. Even less so once Parkway is finished. Also, I can't see many people who live around Newbury deciding to shun going into town so that they can drive for 20 minutes to get to... wait for it... Didcot.
I know you hate Newbury because you can't drive down Northbrook street any time of the day and park directly outside your shop of choice, for free, but the fact is that there is plenty of free parking if you can bring yourself to walk for more than one minute. In fact, if you can stand a five minute walk (I know that's pushing it) then parking at Sainsbury's will give you a whole 50 minutes extra parking than going to Wantage or Didcot.
hmmmm.... <he says, scratching his chin, having just come back from the pub to read this poop...>
'Parking' as a discussion point certainly seems to get quite a few people het up... dunnit? Plenty of opportunity to avoid either paying to park in Newbury, or avoid getting a parking ticket by paying the correct charge in the first place.... "Simples" as our furry friend might say...
But for those who use this board to state that "they'll never come back to Newbury" and would rather shop in Didcot or Wallingford... Why stop there? Why not shop in Cold Ash? Perfectly good post office-cum-shop. Sells all the basic items and doesn't charge for parking... <titter...>
The argument that Hungerford is better than Newbury just because of parking charges doesn't stack up.. Unless you're looking to only buy an 18th Century figurine on a Saturday and nothing else then Hungerford surely isn't going to satisfy the casual shopaholic is it? As for Wallingford vs Newbury... Wallingford may win in the "Casual titbit shopping" if you happen to live close,r but for main bulk buys I suspect you'd look further afield? (Maybe the internet if it wasn't Newbury...)
What irritates me about that car park is the way the pay and display machines handle charges around 6pm. I was a running a bit late for a 6pm meeting in town and so decided to park at the little park on the corner of West St and Northcroft Lane getting there at about 5.50. I shoved a quid in for an hour's parking (charge as stated on the sign) and pressed the green button. The ticket appeared and I grabbed it and headed back to my car to put it on the dash - fortunately I noticed that is had only given me half an hour of parking before I wandered off. Why?
It seems that the 6pm cut off for the evening charge means that I had to pay 50p for the 10 minutes to 6 and then £1 for the evening and could not simply pay for the hour I needed even though it started before 6. In the end it cost me £2.50 as I had to get another ticket.
A lot of the problems associated with Newbury's car parking machines can be attributed to a very unwise purchase of a "job lot" of parking hardware from a council who had found them to be totally useless and removed them from all of their car parks. They were snapped up as a bargain by our car park supremo because we already had machines of the same make in the Kennet multi-story.
There are/have been a multitude of problems with them and they seem unable to cope with even the most basic "extra" facilities like the one experienced by Blackdog.
The other facility which is sadly lacking is the ability to pay your £1 evening charge before you enter the Corn Exchange rather than have to queue with the rest of the audience when the performance is over. At the Anvil in Basingstoke you collect your ticket as you enter the car park and pay the £1 fee before you go into the show/concert. when you leave you just jump in your car and use your pre-paid ticket to get out. Simples!
The other facility which is sadly lacking is the ability to pay your £1 evening charge before you enter the Corn Exchange rather than have to queue with the rest of the audience when the performance is over. At the Anvil in Basingstoke you collect your ticket as you enter the car park and pay the £1 fee before you go into the show/concert. when you leave you just jump in your car and use your pre-paid ticket to get out. Simples!
I'm not sure this is true. Can't you pay by phone actually in the performance if you wished, not even having to leave your seat?
Almost every other town i go to during the week has free parking - somewhere, or more normally free parking for a short while in most town centre open carparks (ie not ones with barriers) - to allow people to set down and pick up etc... But of course Newbury is full of sanctimonious w8nkers
Still you've got £25 to go towards on another public art project.... now - can i pay my council tax to South Oxon instead please ?
<sigh> I said directly comparable towns . Those towns you mentioned don't have anywhere near the same amount of shops that Newbury has. Even less so once Parkway is finished. Also, I can't see many people who live around Newbury deciding to shun going into town so that they can drive for 20 minutes to get to... wait for it... Didcot.
I know you hate Newbury because you can't drive down Northbrook street any time of the day and park directly outside your shop of choice, for free, but the fact is that there is plenty of free parking if you can bring yourself to walk for more than one minute. In fact, if you can stand a five minute walk (I know that's pushing it) then parking at Sainsbury's will give you a whole 50 minutes extra parking than going to Wantage or Didcot.
Despite looking like a suburb of Sheffield in some places - Didcot is'nt that bad. It might not have as many shops, but it gots everything else that someone like you might need... i suggest you visit the Wallingford Arms or Broadways ?
You've summed up Newbury perfectly - it used to be a nice Market town - with nice places to go, good pubs, not too busy and handy place to pop into or do the weekly shopping. It used to feel like part of the area - on the edge of the downs and somewhere that fit in well - quite like the other towns around the downs are today, like Wallingford, Wantage, Hungerford, Abingdon. Most of important of all it used to serve the local rural area well. Now its just another horribly boring shopping town with a shiny big new shopping centre opening soon, along the westward sprall out of London - albeit with no free parking... and i reckon you would be supprised how many folk in the outlining villages go elsewhere now...
It's odd that you should be sarcastic about 'how nice you lot are' and yet the only really abusive comments on this thread have come from you.
Look, you parked in a car park, pissed off for 15 mins or so, didn't tell anyone what you were doing or how long you'd be, took a chance and got caught. End of. Deal with it.
If you divide the cost of the parking fine by the number of times you seem to have got away with it before,(here and elsewhere) you'll still have been parking really cheaply.
Guess you must have missed all the replies telling where there is free parking in Newbury. But I guess conceding that there is indeed free parking within a short distance of the town centre kind of shoots your argument to bits, doesn't it? Anyway - enjoy Didcot. Don't feel rushed to come back to Newbury any time soon. Thanks for the £25!
Guess you must have missed all the replies telling where there is free parking in Newbury. But I guess conceding that there is indeed free parking within a short distance of the town centre kind of shoots your argument to bits, doesn't it? Anyway - enjoy Didcot. Don't feel rushed to come back to Newbury any time soon. Thanks for the £25!
I'm not conceding anything....
There are no public carparks in town, provided by the council, that are free for any period of time..
Now its just another horribly boring shopping town with a shiny big new shopping centre opening soon, along the westward sprall out of London - albeit with no free parking
...which you know isn't true.
But if you want to carry on - lets. Give us the names then of DIRECTLY COMPARABLE towns where the council provides free parking. That's DIRECTLY COMPARABLE. Not villages and the like, but Newbury-sized towns. And again, not too far away. Otherwise the cost of driving to and from such places becomes prohibitive.
So, to recap - Newbury-sized towns, locally, that have council-provided free parking at all times of the day, less than a minutes walk from the town centre (a figure you quoted earlier). I can't wait.
Apart from sundays and bank holidays, when council provided car parks are free all day. But you didn't specify council car parks.
You said...
...which you know isn't true.
But if you want to carry on - lets. Give us the names then of DIRECTLY COMPARABLE towns where the council provides free parking. That's DIRECTLY COMPARABLE. Not villages and the like, but Newbury-sized towns. And again, not too far away. Otherwise the cost of driving to and from such places becomes prohibitive.
So, to recap - Newbury-sized towns, locally, that have council-provided free parking at all times of the day, less than a minutes walk from the town centre (a figure you quoted earlier). I can't wait.
Your the one claiming Newbury is not DIRECTLY COMPARABLE - you name one??
Anyway - as far as i'm concerned I can go to any of those towns and get anything that I need instead of going to Newbury (like many others) - so that makes them DIRECTLY COMPARABLE to me...
And let me get somthing striaght here - i am not exepecing free parking all day.. just a short period of time before charges apply - free parking in the evenings would be nice too...
Anyway - as far as i'm concerned I can go to any of those towns and get anything that I need instead of going to Newbury (like many others) - so that makes them DIRECTLY COMPARABLE to me...
To you. That's the main thing here isn't it? And these other incredible towns that you frequent are only good enough for as long as you can get what you want there. Wallingford isn't directly comparable with Newbury in the same way that Newbury isn't comparable with London.
Anyway, if you can get everything you need locally then that's fine. You have been suggesting though that Newbury doesn't have any free parking, and none near the town centre, and this is the reason why you don't come into Newbury (apart from when you do visit Newbury and park without buying a ticket.). Both claims of having no free parking, and none near the town centre, are clearly false. As well you know. So your anti-Newbury argument doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense. Or any sense, in fact.
To you. That's the main thing here isn't it? And these other incredible towns that you frequent are only good enough for as long as you can get what you want there. Wallingford isn't directly comparable with Newbury in the same way that Newbury isn't comparable with London.
Anyway, if you can get everything you need locally then that's fine. You have been suggesting though that Newbury doesn't have any free parking, and none near the town centre, and this is the reason why you don't come into Newbury (apart from when you do visit Newbury and park without buying a ticket.). Both claims of having no free parking, and none near the town centre, are clearly false. As well you know. So your anti-Newbury argument doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense. Or any sense, in fact.
I suppose if the only way you can compare a town is on the number of shops its got - then there are no comparible towns in the local area. However most people would compare, and more importantly make their decision on where to go based on other things.
The way i look at it is this, if I need to go somewhere to do a task or buy somthing that i cannot do / get in my village - i have to get in my car and drive somewhere... i have loads of choices or where i can go to acheive this (Newbury being one of them) - all with roughly the same distance of my house. However I would never choose to go to Newbury.... i would rather go to any of the other towns... Like I said, I am sure i'm not alone..
You still hav'nt given me an example of a free public car park in Newbury (not a street away from the town centre, or a supermarket) - a council operated car park that is free - even for 15mins...
BTW - the only reason I visit now and then is to pick someone up who has no choice but to go to Newbury due to lack of rural buses in WB.
The issue isn't the council not providing free parking, it is removing free parking so that visitors are forced to use council car parks in order to subsidise the cinema. Simple as that. Newbury used to have a lot more free parking. People blamed Bayer for not renewing the Saturday free parking, but who actually gained most from it?
You still hav'nt given me an example of a free public car park in Newbury (not a street away from the town centre, or a supermarket) - a council operated car park that is free - even for 15mins...
FFS! That's my whole point! At the beginning of this thread you were suggesting that this is a situation that is unique to Newbury. But, of course, it isn't. That's why I asked you to give us a list of towns, comparable to Newbury (having all the facilities of Newbury) that give you free, council-provided parking spaces. You couldn't because there aren't any. And yet you still seem to think that it's Newbury that has a problem.
And what is your problem in parking in the free on-street spaces, or in Sainsbury's where, as I pointed out, if you are willing to walk for a couple of extra minutes into town, you would gain approximately 50 minutes extra free parking over other, smaller towns that you mentioned?
You whole issue with Newbury seemed to be that there were no free spaces to park. This thread has proved that wrong, so now your argument seems to be that there are no free (peak-time I'm assuming) council-provided parking spaces.
People blamed Bayer for not renewing the Saturday free parking, but who actually gained most from it
It wasn't Bayer not renewing the free parking. They used to charge in the region of £12,000 a year to use their car park IIRC. And that price was due to rise. The council opted for saving the £12k +. I used that car park lots, so I wasn't happy, but I can see why the decision was made. In effect everyone was paying for a car park that only a fraction actually used. Much was made of the hit that retailers would take because of it, but then other forum users made the point that, if the car park was that valuable then the retailers could - between them - pay the Bayer fee.
It wasn't Bayer not renewing the free parking. They used to charge in the region of £12,000 a year to use their car park IIRC. And that price was due to rise. The council opted for saving the £12k +. I used that car park lots, so I wasn't happy, but I can see why the decision was made. In effect everyone was paying for a car park that only a fraction actually used. Much was made of the hit that retailers would take because of it, but then other forum users made the point that, if the car park was that valuable then the retailers could - between them - pay the Bayer fee.
So WBC stopped paying Bayer the £12k and now people have to pay WBC far far more to park. It's a win win for WBC and quite why Bayer shouldn't charge what amounts to little more than an admin fee is beyond me. But in your case obviously the WBC spin worked. It's just another example of WBC forcing people to pay to park here.
So it was WBC that removed the free parking as they were the ones that didn't want to renew the arrangement.
FFS! That's my whole point! At the beginning of this thread you were suggesting that this is a situation that is unique to Newbury. But, of course, it isn't. That's why I asked you to give us a list of towns, comparable to Newbury (having all the facilities of Newbury) that give you free, council-provided parking spaces. You couldn't because there aren't any. And yet you still seem to think that it's Newbury that has a problem.
And what is your problem in parking in the free on-street spaces, or in Sainsbury's where, as I pointed out, if you are willing to walk for a couple of extra minutes into town, you would gain approximately 50 minutes extra free parking over other, smaller towns that you mentioned?
You whole issue with Newbury seemed to be that there were no free spaces to park. This thread has proved that wrong, so now your argument seems to be that there are no free (peak-time I'm assuming) council-provided parking spaces.
Hold on - this situation is clearly unique to Newbury when you look at other towns in the area...There are no free public car parks in newbury are there ? there are in the other towns in the area, are there not ? Other towns in the area suite most peoples needs (unless you want loads of shops).
Yes i could park in Waitrose / Sainsbury's for free - but the person i was picking up was on Northbrook Street, if i had known you did'nt get any free time, and that i was going to get a ticket i would'nt have parked where i did..
Besides this Sainsburys don't build carparks to subsidise the lack of free public car parks provided by Councils... despite what the councils (and you) might think.
Besides this Sainsburys don't build carparks to subsidise the lack of free public car parks provided by Councils... despite what the councils (and you) might think.
Besides this Sainsburys don't build carparks to subsidise the lack of free public car parks provided by Councils... despite what the councils (and you) might think.
I thought that the Newbury Sainsbury car park, as part of the planning agreement, were allowing a one hour free park for Newbury shoppers even if they didn't shop in Sainsbury. Correct me if I'm wrong.
I would not be surprised if at some point the 3 hours free at Sainsbury's was removed. They don't offer it for philanthropic reasons and it doesn't really suit the council any more. I've no idea what the agreement was so it is just idle speculation.
There's already a car park there that serve's the Library as well as Sainsbury's... there not building anything completely new - just re-devloping / replacing somthing that exists.
I thought that the Newbury Sainsbury car park, as part of the planning agreement, were allowing a one hour free park for Newbury shoppers even if they didn't shop in Sainsbury. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Dont know - orginally they were a lot stricter, in fact there used to be a barrier and hut at the exit...
I thought that the Newbury Sainsbury car park, as part of the planning agreement, were allowing a one hour free park for Newbury shoppers even if they didn't shop in Sainsbury. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Dont know - orginally they were a lot stricter, in fact there used to be a barrier and hut at the exit...
I don't generally don't have a problem parking in Newbury, but I do find it occasionally inconvenient to have no evening on-street parking in parts of the town, especially the Market Place.
Re. comparisons, has anyone compared Newbury with Wokingham ? It's much more like Newbury than, say, Didcot. It even looks quite similar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wokingham
I see they have free parking on Saturdays at the council offices. Great idea - why don't we do this in Newbury? Another question for those pesky canvassers.
I see they have free parking on Saturdays at the council offices. Great idea - why don't we do this in Newbury? Another question for those pesky canvassers.
I thought that the parking in Market Street council offices was free on Saturdays......
Today, I parked behind the eight bells and totally forgot about paying. I was away for about thirty minutes and only realised as I walked back past the ticket machine. Something to do with my age I guess. A heart stopping moment, but no ticket. Phew.... We should have one hour free parking for pensioners anyway.
The only time I have been issued a parking ticket is when I forgot as well. I was preoccupied with get somewhere quick and went straight past the machine. I didn't intend to not pay, but it still cost me a few quid. Had it been a pay on exit, I wouldn't have got fined of course.
I would not be surprised if at some point the 3 hours free at Sainsbury's was removed. They don't offer it for philanthropic reasons and it doesn't really suit the council any more. I've no idea what the agreement was so it is just idle speculation.
I thought that the parking in Market Street council offices was free on Saturdays......
Today, I parked behind the eight bells and totally forgot about paying. I was away for about thirty minutes and only realised as I walked back past the ticket machine. Something to do with my age I guess. A heart stopping moment, but no ticket. Phew.... We should have one hour free parking for pensioners anyway.
I think they have some days on which parking is free around Christmas.
It's great to see Newbury.net back on it's signature topic of parking, isn't it? This thread is one of the most visited on the forum at present: over 1300 views since it started on 12th April.
Elsewhere tsunamis, famine, dictators running riot, government oppression and mass murder, economies requiring huge bail outs, famine etc. etc. but here one of our biggest concerns is parking. I'm not being sarcastic, it's genuinely reassuring that we live in a place where we can get really worked up about things like the council's policy on parking and library funding. Long may it continue.
Elsewhere tsunamis, famine, dictators running riot, government oppression and mass murder, economies requiring huge bail outs, famine etc. etc.
Rest assured, were any of those events to happen in / befall Newbury, it would be a topic of conversation on Newburynet. (amongst the survivours)
If you feel that these topics may have been overlooked, I'm sure admin wouldn't mind if someone started up a discussion thread on the forum (in the relevent place)
Personally, I found it somewhat educational that the lackeys, apologists, quislings and blinkered yes-men representing WBC on this forum* seemed to get the 'ump when a group were likened to the Mafia, but have remained silent when another group were likened to the Gestapo. Odd.
Threep.
*most of them the work of just one public servant. (now there's an oxymoron for you)
Elsewhere tsunamis, famine, dictators running riot, government oppression and mass murder, economies requiring huge bail outs, famine etc. etc. but here one of our biggest concerns is parking. I'm not being sarcastic, it's genuinely reassuring that we live in a place where we can get really worked up about things like the council's policy on parking and library funding. Long may it continue.
If I can perpetuate this most enthralling series on parking in Newbury's council run car parks:
I am extremely concerned that parking charges in Newbury are set to rise again and/or parking charges will be introduced for Sunday shoppers. The new Parkway car park is expected to open at the end of October. With the new John Lewis store, the number of parking spaces has been reduced and whichever parking company takes on the administration of the car park (NCP or A N other) will have to find somewhere in the region of £500,000 per annum + to run it. I have been given a personal assurance by Nick Carter that parking will be no more expensive in Parkway than the rest of Newbury town centre car parks. (Apparently this was part of the original agreement).
This doesn't rule out a swingeing increase in existing town centre car parks to justify higher charges at Parkway.
Re. comparisons, has anyone compared Newbury with Wokingham ? It's much more like Newbury than, say, Didcot. It even looks quite similar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wokingham
I see they have free parking on Saturdays at the council offices. Great idea - why don't we do this in Newbury? Another question for those pesky canvassers.
It won't be comparable once Parkway opens. It is a character changing development. I think that is the problem.
First time i've been into Newbury for ages today - and got a parking ticket..
Parked in the small carpark next to Funeral directors near Northcroft - it was empty.
Left the car at 17:05pm (made a call on my phone as i left so i know the exact time..) Met up with the person i was collecting on Northbrook street Returned to the car at 17:17 - had a ticket... Car was watched from 17:08 until 17:14 - ticket issued at 17:14. What ever happened to 15 minutes grace?
tOsspots
Shall be avoiding Newbury again now, filthy sh1t hole anyway.
What you forget to take into account is that as far as the warden is concerned you could have been parked there for 3 hours, not three minutes. How is a warden to know when you arrived if you have no ticket?
Re. comparisons, has anyone compared Newbury with Wokingham ? It's much more like Newbury than, say, Didcot. It even looks quite similar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wokingham
I see they have free parking on Saturdays at the council offices. Great idea - why don't we do this in Newbury? Another question for those pesky canvassers.
It won't be comparable once Parkway opens. It is a character changing development. I think that is the problem.
I think they have some days on which parking is free around Christmas.
It's great to see Newbury.net back on it's signature topic of parking, isn't it? This thread is one of the most visited on the forum at present: over 1300 views since it started on 12th April.
Elsewhere tsunamis, famine, dictators running riot, government oppression and mass murder, economies requiring huge bail outs, famine etc. etc. but here one of our biggest concerns is parking. I'm not being sarcastic, it's genuinely reassuring that we live in a place where we can get really worked up about things like the council's policy on parking and library funding. Long may it continue.
Well said. It's testament to the great standard of living in Newbury that the main topic of the past week or so is someone who doesn't live here moaning about parking for nothing in our town.
Good riddance I say, given his comments on the town and it's inhabitants.
Well said. It's testament to the great standard of living in Newbury that the main topic of the past week or so is someone who doesn't live here moaning about parking for nothing in our town.
Good riddance I say, given his comments on the town and it's inhabitants.
Lets all say nothing and complain about nothing then....just becuase far worse things are going on in the world (as there always will be)...
Fact is i pay my council tax to west berkshire council, who seem to spend there share of it all in Newbury and do nothing out where I live... (oh they do empty my bin once a week), perhaps I should petition for some fairy lights on the bus stop, they might consider that.
Lets all say nothing and complain about nothing then....
Just for the record, I was making the opposite point. I want posters here to keep getting really cross about parking, the behaviour of staff in Tescos, the lot of independent traders, the town centre management group, shopping generally, the market place and the rest. I'll start worrying when it stops.
Re parking You could of course cycle (or even motorbike) in to Newbury, its not that bad, the area is fairly flat. I can manage to get a weeks shopping in my panniers, theres an elderley couple I see most Saturdays at Sainsburys and they cycle in too! Also there is always free parking for the bike on Northbrook st, quickly in / out no hassle and free Probably good for the planet as well, though I really dont care about that (compare us to China). Just a thought Golfy
In fact, if both my wife and I cycle for a Fishers Saturday shop, we can just squeeze the shopping into hers & my panniers. Maybe you eat a lot more "ready meals"?
In fact, if both my wife and I cycle for a Fishers Saturday shop, we can just squeeze the shopping into hers & my panniers. Maybe you eat a lot more "ready meals"?
You can only just squeeze 110 lb of fruit and veg into the paniers? Wow that is getting your 5 a day.
You can only just squeeze 110 lb of fruit and veg into the paniers? Wow that is getting your 5 a day.
Think volume and not weight. Peppers, bananas, mushrooms. They take a lot of space but don't weigh much. If you want proof meet me at Fishers on Saturday. I should add that when I'm being really good I eat a lot of fruit to get my 5 a day. I often cycle home with leeks sticking through the top.
In fact, if both my wife and I cycle for a Fishers Saturday shop, we can just squeeze the shopping into hers & my panniers. Maybe you eat a lot more "ready meals"?
Not had a 'ready meal' in years. I shop more than once a week.
Think volume and not weight. Peppers, bananas, mushrooms. They take a lot of space but don't weigh much. If you want proof meet me at Fishers on Saturday. I should add that when I'm being really good I eat a lot of fruit to get my 5 a day. I often cycle home with leeks sticking through the top.
Another WBC employee.
I was in a flippant mood - should have placed a wink at the end of the sentence. WBC employee? Publican for 25 years then went into legal profession (the two seemed to go together somehow). Did do a short stint at County Hall back in the day though.
Meaning that i shop by bike & can get 25kg in a ruckack. If I added the panniers I'd be able to get 50kg back.
Normally rucksacks are measured by volume. I have a 25 litre rucksack, but I've never carried 25k in it. I promise you that my panniers carry much more than my rucksack but I doubt I've ever carried that much fully loaded. Like I said, think volume and not weight.
Normally rucksacks are measured by volume. I have a 25 litre rucksack, but I've never carried 25k in it. I promise you that my panniers carry much more than my rucksack but I doubt I've ever carried that much fully loaded. Like I said, think volume and not weight.
Who gives a stuff what the odd couple, , can get on their bike. I will do my shopping, and 90% of us probably will by car and I can get half a ton in the boot. I don't care about a couple of quid to park although usually it's free.
Hey, it's a shame that I haven't visited the forum for a while, I've missed this conversation. Oh well! Anything i can help with?
Rotorvator: What about all the other people who paid for their parking when you didn't? ..
We all get parking tickets occasionally, even me! Take them on the chin, or appeal if you think you've being treated unfairly. As spartacus says "Simples". No need to get nasty eh?
Hey, it's a shame that I haven't visited the forum for a while, I've missed this conversation. Oh well! Anything i can help with?
Hello Green Meanie,
Nice of you to come back to the forum.
Was it you who booked the dozen or so motorists who dared to park in the empty space reserved for coaches in the Wharf on Monday?
People who came into town to enjoy one of the major events of the year and apart from the Kennet Centre could not find anywhere else to park. People who will probably think twice before coming to Newbury again.
Was it you who booked the dozen or so motorists who dared to park in the empty space reserved for coaches in the Wharf on Monday?
People who came into town to enjoy one of the major events of the year and apart from the Kennet Centre could not find anywhere else to park. People who will probably think twice before coming to Newbury again.
Your guvnor must be really pleased with you!
12 cars would take the parking space of what, 6 coaches. Coaches carrying something like 50 passengers, modern double-decker coaches a lot more. So you'd be happy that 6 coaches couldn't park up because the spaces were taken by cars and would therefore drive their 300 odd day-trippers and long-distance stop-over passengers to a different town to explore and spend their money. Assuming 4 passengers per car, 48 people versus 300. Right, ok.
It's not like there are coach parking spaces dotted all over Newbury that they could use. and coach operators, having found their spaces taken by cars could possibly then strike Newbury off their stop-over/destination list and their 300 passenger custom lost for every day, every weekend, every bank holiday.
300 hundred shoppers? 300 OAPs bursting their neck for a piss more like.
Exactly the passengers might make it to the toilets but they are not stopping because Newbury is a tourist attraction unless of course they are frustrated property developers and have got wind of what happens in the town when the local contractor tells WBC what they want next. Are we fooling ourselves over this tourist thing complete with a tourist office. Let's see, the museum is just over there only it's closed because the council didn't keep it up to date. There is a nice cobbled market place but nothing around it to view with open mouthed awe. Of course we do have a new cinema but it's not very nice looking, the bus station is opposite. Very nice. You could have a look down our main shopping street, sorry about all the building works and the tented buildings. Parkway is quite nice, oh actually it's not finished yet and the only good bit has been taken away for another store. We do have a jewel in our crown, Victoria park across the river. Have a look now because next time you come back it may be a huge building site where the Pavilion will be.
If you want to go out of town there is Donnington Castle and Highclere Castle, but they are quite a way out. Oh, sorry, the toilets, they are over there.
Exactly the passengers might make it to the toilets but they are not stopping because Newbury is a tourist attraction unless of course they are frustrated property developers and have got wind of what happens in the town when the local contractor tells WBC what they want next. Are we fooling ourselves over this tourist thing complete with a tourist office. Let's see, the museum is just over there only it's closed because the council didn't keep it up to date. There is a nice cobbled market place but nothing around it to view with open mouthed awe. Of course we do have a new cinema but it's not very nice looking, the bus station is opposite. Very nice. You could have a look down our main shopping street, sorry about all the building works and the tented buildings. Parkway is quite nice, oh actually it's not finished yet and the only good bit has been taken away for another store. We do have a jewel in our crown, Victoria park across the river. Have a look now because next time you come back it may be a huge building site where the Pavilion will be.
If you want to go out of town there is Donnington Castle and Highclere Castle, but they are quite a way out. Oh, sorry, the toilets, they are over there.
If you read BrianB's post this was a day a major event was on in Newbury, so maybe bot just a toilet stop.
Exactly the passengers might make it to the toilets but they are not stopping because Newbury is a tourist attraction unless of course they are frustrated property developers and have got wind of what happens in the town when the local contractor tells WBC what they want next.
You could have a look down our main shopping street, sorry about all the building works and the tented buildings.
What is the percentage of shops in our main shopping street are tented and undergoing building work? 5% percent, 10% percent or is that being generous. Shops do need rebuilding/refurbishing from time to time or should they all be left untouched to eventually decay and crumble away?
Parkway is quite nice, oh actually it's not finished yet and the only good bit has been taken away for another store.
Well it will be a good addition to Newbury and with the move of several shops, would free up existing shop premises which will eventually have to be let at lower prices, thus freeing up space for more start up and cost conscious new shops to open.
We do have a jewel in our crown, Victoria park across the river. Have a look now because next time you come back it may be a huge building site where the Pavilion will be.
The pavilion isn't taking over the whole of Victoria park. Yes there will be a building site as they build it, but no, the building site will will not cover the whole park nor will the building be that huge.
I expect you probably complained about the new toilets being built, probably preferring those 60's/70's awful ones that were in the middle of the carpark
I am just pointing out that yet again, the regulars on here seem hell bent on TALKING NEWBURY DOWN at every opportunity.
A bus station is a bus station is a bus station. But it does bring people into the middle of Newbury.
And with it all the graffiti on the 'perspex' glass. In any-case, the bus station has been in the centre of town for as long as I can remember, and beyond.
What is the percentage of shops in our main shopping street are tented and undergoing building work? 5% percent, 10% percent or is that being generous. Shops do need rebuilding/refurbishing from time to time or should they all be left untouched to eventually decay and crumble away?
You are quite right and I agree, but I have no argument there. I am not that sentimental over many of the shops in the high street.
Well it will be a good addition to Newbury and with the move of several shops, would free up existing shop premises which will eventually have to be let at lower prices, thus freeing up space for more start up and cost conscious new shops to open.
It would be like that in theory, but models like that in Reading suggest that historic parts of town just go ignored and down hill.
The pavilion isn't taking over the whole of Victoria park. Yes there will be a building site as they build it, but no, the building site will will not cover the whole park nor will the building be that huge.
This is a matter of opinion, but it is a shame that green open space has to be turned over to developments when it might be possible for other areas to accommodate it/them. Once built, a significant part of the park will have been developed when you consider the skate park and the play ground area.
I expect you probably complained about the new toilets being built, probably preferring those 60's/70's awful ones that were in the middle of the carpark
Other than cottaging gays, I wouldn't imagine anyone would prefer the old building over the new.
I think cinema goers are more interested in the films shown within, rather than what the outside cladding looks like.
A bus station is a bus station is a bus station. But it does bring people into the middle of Newbury.
What is the percentage of shops in our main shopping street are tented and undergoing building work? 5% percent, 10% percent or is that being generous. Shops do need rebuilding/refurbishing from time to time or should they all be left untouched to eventually decay and crumble away?
Well it will be a good addition to Newbury and with the move of several shops, would free up existing shop premises which will eventually have to be let at lower prices, thus freeing up space for more start up and cost conscious new shops to open.
The pavilion isn't taking over the whole of Victoria park. Yes there will be a building site as they build it, but no, the building site will will not cover the whole park nor will the building be that huge.
Yes they are nice out of town places.
I expect you probably complained about the new toilets being built, probably preferring those 60's/70's awful ones that were in the middle of the carpark
I am just pointing out that yet again, the regulars on here seem hell bent on TALKING NEWBURY DOWN at every opportunity.
The whole point of the discussion was that Newbury is a tourist attraction. It isn't and never will be. The coaches come and go to let people out for a toilet break and to drop and pick up travellers, not tourists. We are not Oxford so let's not get carried away. For the locals, of course they don't really care what the outside of the cinema looks like but they are not tourists who would not be going in to see the latest blockbuster and as far as the bus station is concerned, the tourist would take one look at that and scuttle back to their coach. I am not talking down Newbury but just being realistic about tourism.
A bus station is a bus station is a bus station. But it does bring people into the middle of Newbury.
The bus station won't be there much longer, WBC have taken possession in readiness for the next major building site. I wonder which developer they will sell it to for a quid?
IIRC the buses were going to use Victoria Square as their Newbury 'terminus' - not sure what the plans are now that Victoria Square will never appear.
The whole point of the discussion was that Newbury is a tourist attraction. It isn't and never will be. The coaches come and go to let people out for a toilet break and to drop and pick up travellers, not tourists. We are not Oxford so let's not get carried away. For the locals, of course they don't really care what the outside of the cinema looks like but they are not tourists who would not be going in to see the latest blockbuster and as far as the bus station is concerned, the tourist would take one look at that and scuttle back to their coach. I am not talking down Newbury but just being realistic about tourism.
No, Newbury would not be a tourist destination, but it does serve as an attractive place to stop and break a journey and the coach park is well placed for this. Also gives the drivers a chance to take a proper break. The coach park is one thing that Newbury has got right.
No, Newbury would not be a tourist destination, but it does serve as an attractive place to stop and break a journey and the coach park is well placed for this. Also gives the drivers a chance to take a proper break. The coach park is one thing that Newbury has got right.
So if I have understood this correctly Newbury is the tourists convenience? No wonder people state Newbury had gone down the pan?
No, Newbury would not be a tourist destination, but it does serve as an attractive place to stop and break a journey and the coach park is well placed for this. Also gives the drivers a chance to take a proper break. The coach park is one thing that Newbury has got right.
I don't know if you have been to Newbury lately, but we have things like by-passes, dual carriageways, motorways, and fully fitted coaches that can navigate Britain in a day.
I don't know if you have been to Newbury lately, but we have things like by-passes, dual carriageways, motorways, and fully fitted coaches that can navigate Britain in a day.
But even with all this the driver has to obey the taco-graph and take regular short breaks. He can get to stop in Newbury, no huge queue, as not many visitors come now as nothing worthwhile to see. Passengers can stretch the legs for a short while and toddle off to the "Latrine of the South" before driving off again to stop and visit a must see destination somewhere else en-route?
But even with all this the driver has to obey the taco-graph and take regular short breaks. He can get to stop in Newbury, no huge queue, as not many visitors come now as nothing worthwhile to see. Passengers can stretch the legs for a short while and toddle off to the "Latrine of the South" before driving off again to stop and visit a must see destination somewhere else en-route?
A few miles north and to a certain extent, the south of Newbury, there are service stations for this need.
A few miles north and to a certain extent, the south of Newbury, there are service stations for this need.
So the previous post was quite correct then? We do not need the coach parking bays in the wharf as most coaches do not need to come into Newbury now and do not wish to any way?
So the previous post was quite correct then? We do not need the coach parking bays in the wharf as most coaches do not need to come into Newbury now and do not wish to any way?
And in fact, if they didn't come what would be the financial loss to Newbury. Do they pick up and drop punters ? The tea rooms might feel the pinch a bit but does anybody know how much revenue is generated for the WBC coffers.
Any of the old tw*ts on here remember the Winchester Coaching Station ??
And in fact, if they didn't come what would be the financial loss to Newbury. Do they pick up and drop punters ? The tea rooms might feel the pinch a bit but does anybody know how much revenue is generated for the WBC coffers.
Any of the old tw*ts on here remember the Winchester Coaching Station ??
Yeah i do ! it was like somthing out of a carry on film !
So the previous post was quite correct then? We do not need the coach parking bays in the wharf as most coaches do not need to come into Newbury now and do not wish to any way?
I often see coaches parked in the wharf, so perhaps they are doing a bit more than simply stopping to use the toilets. In other words, they are bringing a bit of touristy business to Newbury.
I often see coaches parked in the wharf, so perhaps they are doing a bit more than simply stopping to use the toilets. In other words, they are bringing a bit of touristy business to Newbury.
True, and has been pointed out there are far more convenient places to stop for a toilet break, pun intended.
I often see coaches parked in the wharf, so perhaps they are doing a bit more than simply stopping to use the toilets. In other words, they are bringing a bit of touristy business to Newbury.
There could be a number of reasons, but the idea started from the park being empty on a Bank Holiday and being put to alternative use.
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