Port St Mary (Parking Places) Order 2006

Overview of the Parking Order

The Port St Mary (Parking Places) Order 2006 is a statutory instrument that establishes the legal framework for parking regulations in Port St Mary, Isle of Man. This legislation defines designated parking areas, restrictions, time limits, and enforcement provisions within the village boundaries.

Purpose and Objectives

The primary purpose of the Parking Places Order 2006 is to:

• Regulate parking within Port St Mary for traffic safety and flow
• Provide adequate parking facilities for residents, businesses, and visitors
• Protect pedestrian safety and access
• Prevent obstruction of roadways and emergency vehicle access
• Support local commerce by managing available parking resources

Designated Parking Areas

The Order designates specific areas within Port St Mary as controlled parking zones:

• Chapel Bay Promenade Car Park: 42 spaces, mixed short-stay and long-stay parking
• Fountain Street Car Park: 28 spaces, short-stay parking with 2-hour maximum
• VICTORIA ROAD Car Park: 18 spaces, long-stay parking suitable for residents
• Beach Road Lay-bys: 12 spaces, seasonal restrictions in effect from May to September
• Church Point: 8 spaces, limited to 30 minutes maximum stay
• Upper Village: Restricted zone with resident permits only on designated streets

Parking Restrictions and Time Limits

The Parking Places Order 2006 establishes various restrictions across different parking areas:

• Short-stay parking: Maximum 2 hours in Fountain Street Car Park and Church Point
• Long-stay parking: Chapel Bay Promenade (designated bays) and Victoria Road Car Park
• Seasonal restrictions: Beach Road Lay-bys limited to 1 hour during summer months (May-September)
• Resident-only parking: Specific streets in the Upper Village area between 8 AM and 6 PM
• No parking zones: Areas designated with double yellow lines and other clear markings

Permits and Exemptions

The Order provides for several permit categories:

• Resident Parking Permits: Available to residents of designated streets with proof of address
• Business Permits: For local businesses requiring long-term parking solutions
• Blue Badge Holders: Allowances in accordance with national disabled parking regulations
• Contractor Permits: For those working on properties within restricted zones

Charges and Payment Methods

Season permits are available at discounted rates. Payment can be made via coin-operated meters at each car park, by mobile payment using the Port St Mary Parking app, or through purchased scratch cards available from the village office and selected local retailers.

Enforcement and Penalties

Breach of the regulations established in the Parking Places Order 2006 may result in:

• Fixed Penalty Notices: 50 for standard parking violations, reduced to 25 if paid within 14 days
• Clamping: For repeat offenders in severe cases
• Removal of vehicles: For vehicles causing obstruction or danger

Appeals Process

Drivers wishing to appeal a Fixed Penalty Notice must do so in writing within 28 days of the notice being issued. Appeals should be directed to the Port St Mary Commissioners with evidence supporting the appeal. The appeals process follows a two-stage system:

• Informal appeal: Initial review by Commissioners' staff
• Formal appeal: If rejected, an independent adjudicator will review the case

Recent Amendments

The 2019 amendment to the Order introduced several changes:

• Extended seasonal restrictions at Beach Road Lay-bys
• Increased time limits at Fountain Street from 1 to 2 hours
• Introduction of mobile payment options
• Updated pricing structure reflecting inflation

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Where can resident permits be obtained? A: From the Port St Mary Commissioners' office during regular business hours.
• Q: Are there free parking options in the village? A: Yes, limited free parking is available on streets not included in controlled zones, though time restrictions may still apply.
• Q: What happens if a parking meter is faulty? A: Report the issue to the Commissioners' office and display the reference note provided on your dashboard.
• Q: Are the regulations different during tourist season? A: Additional temporary orders may be in effect during peak periods to manage increased traffic.
• Q: Can I park overnight in any car park? A: Overnight parking is permitted only in Victoria Road Car Park and designated bays in Chapel Bay Promenade.

Future Developments

The Port St Mary Commissioners are currently reviewing the parking provisions with consideration for:

• Additional electric vehicle charging points in car parks
• Smart parking systems to improve space utilization
• Expansion of resident permit zones in response to community feedback
• Introduction of car-sharing initiatives for sustainable transport