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Fines for 800 drivers who cut through Kings Park, Bournemouth (From Bournemouth Echo)
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Fines for 800 drivers who cut through Kings Park, Bournemouth
7:30am Wednesday 11th November 2009
AT least 800 motorists have been issued with £60 fines in less than a week for driving through Kings Park in Bournemouth to avoid traffic hold-ups.
When Ashley Road bridge was closed for repairs by Network Rail, the park was opened to local buses and diversionary routes put in place for motorists. But Bournemouth council says despite extensive publicity about the correct diversions, motorists continue to flout the ban on driving through the park – with some driving through at least four times a day.
Cllr Robert Lawton, the council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “I’m very concerned that despite our numerous attempts to advise and warn motorists, people are continuing to drive through the park. We’ve taken every possible measure to inform people they’re not allowed to drive through Kings Park.
“The correct signage is in place warning people only buses are allowed through the park and our officers were on site for two weeks advising people of the correct diversions.”
The council had issued warning letters before it started ticketing last week, he added. “The camera doesn’t flash so drivers may think they’re getting away with it,” he said.
Bournemouth council has been under fire from some motorists for not opening the park to all traffic.
It initially claimed it was not legally possible to do so.
After criticism from former deputy leader Adrian Fudge, the council conceded that it could “exercise discretion” on the use of the park’s roads. But the council said it had a responsibility to protect the park for residents and visitors.
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Your Say YourEcho
ferret38, bournemouth says...
7:56am Wed 11 Nov 09
Adrian Fudge, Bournemouth says...
8:24am Wed 11 Nov 09
As I have pointed out on several occassions the Council have been instructed by Central Government to re-instate a road from Ashley Road to the Cemetery in Gloucster Road but have failed to do so
What is even more intreguing is what happens on Saturday when they open the road to football traffic or are they going to fine all the regular car users entering and leaving through that route
As a further comment some relations of mine from Sherborne drove through there last Saturday and were completely astounded when I told them they might get fined.
They were addament that the signage was not clear and drove through in good faith
I hope someone stands up against the Council over this and goes to Court with a test case and lets see how stupid this situation realy is.If all the people who are threatened with fines got together and forced a test case it might save them all a lot of money.Perhaps there is even a local lawyer who would take it up on their behalf
Roo-Too, southbourne says...
8:49am Wed 11 Nov 09
It's almost as if they did it on purpose to raise revenue!
ben111, Ringwood says...
8:51am Wed 11 Nov 09
I think some one needs to put up a web site so everyone that does end with a fine can group together for legal representation and atleast challenge the decisions going on
cantique, bournemouth says...
8:56am Wed 11 Nov 09
West Howe Sean, Bournemouth says...
9:15am Wed 11 Nov 09
Do you think any of those people fined will bother to come back to Boscombe? Of course not.
Surely it makes sense to allow people to drive through the park while the bridge is closed
GB916, christchurch says...
9:17am Wed 11 Nov 09
cantique wrote:I quite agree,everyday i see cars stopped in the yellow box junctions,stopped where it say's keep clear,at traffic lights waiting in the area that is clearly marked for cyclists,stopped on double yellow lines,and in bus stops,and looking at the picture,it is clearly marked on the road,but then many motorists only see the area 6 ft in fornt of them,and 3 foot above the ground,so stop moaning break the traffic laws and pay your fine,i in the past got a ticket for speeding,i did not moan about speed camara's i paid my fine as i broke the law,if people are too stupid to read the signs,they deserve to be fined.And making out the council is using this to make money,just another excuse for some people to use who ignored the signs.
This just goes to show the contempt that many drivers have for any kind of regulation on the road. So often we see drivers flouting speed limits, parking, and now bus only routes.
West Howe Sean, Bournemouth says...
9:21am Wed 11 Nov 09
ferret38 wrote:If you do not pay the council will just employ legalised thugs. ie Bailiffs to collect the debt.
Id refuse to pay any fine point blank , what a scam they got going there !
You must take proper legal steps to challenge the fine otherwise the council and bailiffs will scam a lot more money from you.
Maggie69, bournemouth says...
9:38am Wed 11 Nov 09
GB916 wrote:Agree with both of you. Aside from anything else, Gloucester Road would become grid-locked if it was flooded with traffic in both directions & it takes long enough to get out onto Christchurch Road as it is; it'd be mayhem. It's a whole lot quicker to just drive round the long way.
cantique wrote: This just goes to show the contempt that many drivers have for any kind of regulation on the road. So often we see drivers flouting speed limits, parking, and now bus only routes.I quite agree,everyday i see cars stopped in the yellow box junctions,stopped where it say's keep clear,at traffic lights waiting in the area that is clearly marked for cyclists,stopped on double yellow lines,and in bus stops,and looking at the picture,it is clearly marked on the road,but then many motorists only see the area 6 ft in fornt of them,and 3 foot above the ground,so stop moaning break the traffic laws and pay your fine,i in the past got a ticket for speeding,i did not moan about speed camara's i paid my fine as i broke the law,if people are too stupid to read the signs,they deserve to be fined.And making out the council is using this to make money,just another excuse for some people to use who ignored the signs.
rayc, Wimborne says...
9:41am Wed 11 Nov 09
The cynical amongst us may think the two things are related.
Cazzam, Bournemouth says...
9:54am Wed 11 Nov 09
Roo-Too wrote:Incompetent signs? Have you not seen the picture above? Looks pretty clear to me!
This is ridiculous! Surely the level of people that are getting fined is so high because of incompetent signage advising people of the diversion? It's almost as if they did it on purpose to raise revenue!
pd7, Dorset says...
9:57am Wed 11 Nov 09
retired lady, Bournemouth says...
9:59am Wed 11 Nov 09
Gastines, St.Malo says...
10:02am Wed 11 Nov 09
Esqui, Boscombe says...
10:16am Wed 11 Nov 09
mark0peters, Bournemouth says...
10:52am Wed 11 Nov 09
....
There antics are getting worse - we need to have a massive protest - who agrees?
....
If something is not done about this council - it will get worse!
colin 50, bournemouth says...
10:58am Wed 11 Nov 09
Mozzer, Southbourne says...
11:01am Wed 11 Nov 09
Would the Council care to tell us what they are doing with their windfall?
(You could buy a lot of **** with that, I bet!)
wayneofafcb, poole says...
11:02am Wed 11 Nov 09
They have no right to do such a thing, and i for once, agree with Mr Fudge. As for council saying it spoils things for visitors having lots of car traffic. What visitors. The park is nearly always deserted.
As for the residents, the FOKP, with six members, hardly is a mass pressure party. The most safe thing, especially for lone women, is a park with traffic. This is a money grabbing disgrace of a council
Dorset_Born_n_Bread !, Poole/Helsinki says...
11:14am Wed 11 Nov 09
Please drive thru again and pay at the exit direct to local councillors account!
djd, bournemouth says...
11:19am Wed 11 Nov 09
Would the same drivers ignore red traffic lights because they feel the lights shouldn't be there ???
It's not the principle of who is or isn't alllowed to drive through the park. It is a matter of ignoring a legal and correct road traffic sign.
4444kate, Boscombe says...
11:32am Wed 11 Nov 09
Bob49, Bournemouth says...
11:36am Wed 11 Nov 09
poolebabe, poole says...
1:05pm Wed 11 Nov 09
.
However, the close of Ashley road has sent Boscome into a ghost town. Buisnesses are already struggling due to the recession, so the traders need all the help they can get, so I think the council should be pulling out all the stops to reduce the inconvenience to shoppers and traders alike, not to fine them. It does make a mockery of the money they are spending on the surf reef and beach front, because if this keeps up much longer, Boscome won't be a shopping center anymore, and it will reduce the amount of people visiting the place. As it is, the high street looks terrible, full of closed down, boarded up shops. Such a shame.
bmouthmale, bournemouth says...
1:05pm Wed 11 Nov 09
Dibbles2, Bournemouth says...
1:09pm Wed 11 Nov 09
Roo-Too wrote:or alternatively you can bet your last dollar that a majority are lazy parents who are also driving the wrong way up a one way road in fear of a little exercise or getting their hair wet!!!!!! I am astounded by how many people are actually still driving around that area for no good reason. Parents are putting other peoples children at risk by driving through lollipop ladies who have an immensly difficult task at the moment and we often have to walk up a road on the road as there is no pavement! It is an accident waiting to happen and therefore I agree with the closure of Gloucester road as we really dont need any more traffic going around that area. I cycle to school with my 6 year old and often have cars driving up my backside trying to get past on narrow roads. Well guess what people you will have to wait as I have a right to be on the road too.May I also take this opportunity to thank the School crossing patrol ladies who have worked very hard the last few weeks keeping our kids safe and are literally taking their lives in their own hands every day of the week.
This is ridiculous! Surely the level of people that are getting fined is so high because of incompetent signage advising people of the diversion? It's almost as if they did it on purpose to raise revenue!
Glashen, Christchurch says...
1:42pm Wed 11 Nov 09
Bob49, Bournemouth says...
2:06pm Wed 11 Nov 09
djd, bournemouth says...
2:09pm Wed 11 Nov 09
We shop there and there is no noticeable difference inte number of people in the own. Certainly no a ghost town.
Whether they are spending or not, I don't know, but they are certainly still out and about.
ben111, Ringwood says...
2:15pm Wed 11 Nov 09
Bob49 wrote:Just because their is a law it does not make it right or fair ,,, Take the case of the POLL TAX , that was the law at the time and looked what happend their ,,, I just feel their needs to be a bit of give and take , and the council does not seem to listen and it seems like they just like to take . Thats how people are veiwing it
Poolebabe you cannot be seriously advocating cars turning out of Gloucester Road and heading back into Boscombe. Boscombe doesn't look any worse (!) than usual. Any down turn has been here a while - this is just an excuse. As to cars being fined the signs are big enough and clear enough. If motorists cannot read them or don't bother to read them then I would ask should they be on the road ? And as Dibbles2 suggests it IS the usual types who believe that THEY don't have to follow the rulesx like the rest of them. Increase the charge - especially for repeat offenders.
Roo-Too, southbourne says...
2:22pm Wed 11 Nov 09
Cazzam wrote:it may well look clear as that is what the photo is showing, but in the dark, whilst attempting to follow the badly placed 'diversion' signs it could well be thought that the diversion signs took precedence over the road markings.
Roo-Too wrote:Incompetent signs? Have you not seen the picture above? Looks pretty clear to me!
This is ridiculous! Surely the level of people that are getting fined is so high because of incompetent signage advising people of the diversion? It's almost as if they did it on purpose to raise revenue!
ray142, branksome says...
2:23pm Wed 11 Nov 09
madras, petts wood says...
2:54pm Wed 11 Nov 09
dribble, Boscombe says...
2:55pm Wed 11 Nov 09
.
Therefore, it would be a waste of time trying to contest a ticket.
[Chris], WWW says...
2:56pm Wed 11 Nov 09
.
The Council decided differently, which is their perogative. Then there was the matter of unoticed signage, or signage not being put up right, etc. On a visit to Boscombe, I walked through and saw that the signage was indeed very visual, and on view to all concentrating drivers. Even signage right back to Springbourne Fire Station is self evident, and all other accesses into Boscombe.
.
So in light of this, I have no sympathy with those who have deliberately flouted the laws or rulings on this, and have been fined. Certainly enough warnings were given out both before work started, when it was first noticed the abuse of signage, and then warnings. So I think the Council have advocated their rights in to fining drivers.
.
Regarding the matter of Boscombe Traders. From my visit to the town, I certainly saw no down turn in trade. Shops were busy, car parks were full, and the streets packed. I think everyone involved in keeping the trade going in Boscombe has done well.
.
It is not often I make and appraisal to the Council, but on this occasion I have because I feel enough notice has been given. Although as I said, if at the outset and alternative could have been made, things might have been different.
niceoneos, says...
4:15pm Wed 11 Nov 09
ben111 wrote:No thank you , sort out you own probs, or arent you capable,
I dont use the area to drive through but tottaly agree with the comments . I think some one needs to put up a web site so everyone that does end with a fine can group together for legal representation and atleast challenge the decisions going on
Maggie69, bournemouth says...
4:47pm Wed 11 Nov 09
bmouthmale wrote:I'd hope not. The emergency services are the one exception that should be made to the rule.
Was the driver off the police car last week also fined???
EGHH, says...
5:26pm Wed 11 Nov 09
upyourpipe, Bearcross says...
5:35pm Wed 11 Nov 09
West Howe Sean, Bournemouth says...
5:46pm Wed 11 Nov 09
I guess we get what we deserve.
Bob49, Bournemouth says...
6:09pm Wed 11 Nov 09
Cars exiting out of Gloucester Road turn left - not into Boscombe as claimed. The signs are easily readable. Given that the route has been blocked you would need to made aware that it was now open - albeit to buses. What part of that being made aware have motorists chosen to ignore. The bit about it being buses only, the cameras on the signs ? It is not about 'cutting anyone any slack'. those illagaly using Kings Park do so because the vast majority don't. Rather like jumping the queue at the airport check in, then proposing that everyone does this as a means to cut down the queues. Gloucester Rd/Christchurch Rd junction is already chaotic with the selfish few. What on earth it would be like if it was open to all ? I can imagine the response of the selfish on here if there were tailbacks way beyond Pokesdown station. I can imagine what the bleats would be on here if it was proposed that shoplifters be given special dispensation to ignore the tills so as to speed up things - then they be encouraged to form an action group to fight any fines. As to the effects on business it might be an idea if the car parking usage in Boscombe could be shown - comparing last years usage.
Esqui, Boscombe says...
6:50pm Wed 11 Nov 09
West Howe Sean wrote:If, by "left wing, nanny state jobsworths", you mean "people who aren't selfish and recognise that we have rules" then yes, plenty of those have posted.
I find it amazing how many left wing, nanny state jobsworths have posted in support of Bournemouth Council.
I guess we get what we deserve.
And you've almost rolled out enough catchphrases to qualify to post on the Daily Mail's website
GB916, christchurch says...
6:51pm Wed 11 Nov 09
Well done Bournemouth council,i hope you get bucket loads of cash out of this,as there so many dumb motorists around you can make a fortune
r50mini, Blandford says...
8:46pm Wed 11 Nov 09
GB916 wrote:I totally agree I have driven in countries all over the world and I rate Bournemouth as one of the worst places to drive, not because of the state of the roads or signage, but the idiots who are on the roads and seem to think they have sole rights to the road and appear to have obtained their driving licence free in a packet of cereal.
Lets all ignore the rules of the road,even better lets ignore all rules,STOP BLEATING THAT IT IS UNFAIR TO FINE PEOPLE FOR IGNORING A ROAD TRAFFIC SIGN,AND I AGREE,ADD ANOTHER ZERO TO THERE FINE,AND DOUBLE THIS FOR EVERYTIME THE SAME PEOPLE ARE CAUGHT IGNORING THE SIGNS,IM SURE THEN THE DUMB PEOPLE WHO IGNORE THIS MIGHT SEE THE LIGHT.
Well done Bournemouth council,i hope you get bucket loads of cash out of this,as there so many dumb motorists around you can make a fortune
It is simple follow the rules and you won't get fined. If you have a beef with the council over their incompetence in traffic management, when the local elections come round, then vote for some one else (not that this will matter!) Drivers in Bournemouth could do well to learn to respect other road users.
MJD, HAMWORTHY says...
10:47pm Wed 11 Nov 09
psal, christchurch says...
10:55pm Wed 11 Nov 09
poolebabe, poole says...
7:56am Thu 12 Nov 09
Bob49 wrote:Why can't people have the ability to read everything I write? :/ My first point was that the rules are the rules and people cannot really complain when they are fined.
Poolebabe you cannot be seriously advocating cars turning out of Gloucester Road and heading back into Boscombe. Boscombe doesn't look any worse (!) than usual. Any down turn has been here a while - this is just an excuse. As to cars being fined the signs are big enough and clear enough. If motorists cannot read them or don't bother to read them then I would ask should they be on the road ? And as Dibbles2 suggests it IS the usual types who believe that THEY don't have to follow the rulesx like the rest of them. Increase the charge - especially for repeat offenders.
.
I just had an OPINION, that perhaps the council could give and take a little more under the circumstances. Not that people shouldn't be fined when the rules are in place.
.
I have been to Boscome and noticed a big difference in the amount of visitors to the area. Funny, the traders are also saying buiseness is slow. I expressed my view after visiting the area. It may have been busier on other days, but I can only form an opinion on the days I have been there and information from the traders themselves, who are far more qualified to offer an opinion. I for one will not be returning to the area until Ashley Road is open.
.
If people want to critisise what I write, I respectfully request they read what I write, not skim to the bits they disagree with and miss all the points I make.
Lord Spring, says...
8:42am Thu 12 Nov 09
psal wrote:The road that went right through the park no longer exists it is grassed over.
Bournemouth council ''initially claimed it was not legally possible to open the park to traffic'' Why. A few years ago Kings park was opened in all directions for all traffic so why would it now be illegal to allow traffic back through it. Especially at a time like this when businesses are going to go bust because of the road works.
I have always maintained as it was not closed for one day year it became a public throughfare.
safety first, Poole says...
6:32pm Thu 12 Nov 09
rotcoddam, pokesdown says...
12:30am Sat 14 Nov 09
deburs, southampton says...
8:45pm Tue 24 Nov 09
I am going again to Boscombe tomorrow - how do I get there then and where are the motorist diversions? I am coming in from Southampton.
Glenn Kiely, Blandford Forum says...
5:06pm Thu 10 Dec 09
WARNING: Bournemouth Council says it is quite clear who can drive through Kings Park and who can't
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Gastines, St.Malo says...
7:49am Wed 11 Nov 09