COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

MOTION NO. 9

MOTION: Councillor J. Lahart

"That the Manager accede to the reasonable request of traders in Rathfarnham Village that the parking meters and parking meter signage carry notice specifically stating that the first ten minutes of parking are free to those who park their cars in the village as this is not being adhered to by the traffic wardens contracted by this local authority."

REPORT:

Information signs which state, bi-lingually, “Drivers, please purchase and display a parking ticket within 10 minutes of arrival. Failure to display a parking ticket may result in a fine” are now under installation in Rathfarnham as previously agreed. There has never been a ‘free period’ however the 10 minute period is a “grace period” which is applied generally to allow those persons who might arrive at a pay station without the correct or any change to obtain some and pay for their parking. It is also likely that drivers might avail of this “grace period” to carry out their business but the onus is always on them to ensure that they have paid for their parking and they cannot then complain if they take a chance and avail of this “grace period” only to then overstay the grace period and incur a fine.

It should also be noted that in a number of cases, business premises have erected signs in their windows stating that the “first 10 minutes parking (is) free”. The Council has not objected to these signs being erected even though they are not factually correct. The Council is not responsible for and does not agree with such misleading signage.

All wardens allow the 10 minute grace period. If anyone feels that they have been unfairly treated by the actions of a warden, it is, of course, open to them to bring the facts of the matter directly to the attention of the Parking Unit in the Council.