The University has developed these Regulations to support the management of parking on its Premises.
The University wishes to encourage sustainable travel and has designed these Regulations to incentive the use of low carbon travel options and support the objectives of the University Travel Plan. Furthermore, the University’s Premises provide parking capacity that reflects the range of transport options available to Staff, Students and Visitors. The University has established these Regulations to ensure orderly and, in so far as it may be possible, equitable access to parking on its Premises.
Definitions
The following terms shall have the meanings specified:
Academic Campuses'
Means any Premises owned or controlled by the University which is not Halls of Residence or Sports Grounds.
‘Bicycle’
Means a pedal cycle, including e-bikes which are electrically assisted but still reliant on pedal operation unless an engine of any kind has been fitted thereto.
‘Blue Badge Holder’
Means any holder of a valid Blue Badge issued by a local authority.
‘Contractor’
Means any person or firm that supplies materials, labour or a service to the University and includes any firm, company, or person sub- contracted to do so.
‘Halls of Residence’
Means University Premises (other than private houses) provided for the accommodation of Students.
‘Motor Car’
Means any motor vehicle of a kind normally used on public roads which has three or more wheels and is utilised mainly or solely for transport to and from University campuses.
‘Motorcycle/Powered Two-Wheeler’
Means a 2-wheeled vehicle (with or without sidecar), fitted with an internal combustion or electric engine.
‘Non-Motor Vehicles’
Means any vehicle not propelled mechanically or otherwise, but which might occupy a parking space- such as a trailer, caravan, boat etc.
‘Parking Permit’
Means a document (physical or digital) issued by the University Estates and Facilities Department for the authorised parking of a motor vehicle.
‘Penalty Charge Notice / PCN’
A penalty issued to the registered keeper of a vehicle found in contravention of these Regulations.
‘Permit Controlled Period’
Means the time period in which a user of the University’s parking facilities must have a Parking Permit.
‘Disabled Person’
Means any holder of a Blue Badge or a person whose Permit has been over stamped as 'disabled' as a Reasonable Adjustment at the discretion of the Transport Team, based on defined eligibility criteria.
‘Premises’
Means any land or buildings in University ownership or under the control of the University including land or buildings occupied by private individuals or companies whether as tenants or licensees, including open space, car parks, roads, footpaths or covered by buildings of any kind.
‘Reasonable Adjustment’
Means a change that an employer makes to remove or reduce a disadvantage that an individual faces due to a disability. The reasonable adjustments that are required will depend on the individual and the role that they are employed within. They may include changes to the working area, changes to working arrangements, providing equipment or support or finding a different way of doing something. The University is required to accommodate reasonable adjustments for disabled employees under the Equality Act 2010. In the context of car parking a Reasonable Adjustment might be permission to park in designated spaces to enable access to campus buildings and facilities by those with an approved condition, either permanent or temporary, for example.
‘Sports Grounds’
Means those Premises at Wide Lane and at the Water Sports Centre which are in University ownership or control.
‘Staff’
Means any or all employees of the University of Southampton who are not Students.
‘Students’
Means any or all Students registered for courses of study with the University whether on a fulltime or part-time basis.
‘Transport Manager’
Means the authorised representative of the University with responsibility for managing transport facilities (including car parks) on University Premises.
‘Visitor’
Means anyone other than Staff or Students with a bona fide reason for visiting the University but not any Contractor or employee of a company based on the University's Academic Campuses, Premises or Halls of Residence where the employee or company has agreed to abide by these Regulations.
1. Background
1.1 Essential Information
- All users of University roads, including cyclists, are required to comply with the provisions of the Highway Code, these Regulations and with the University’s parking terms and conditions.
- Additional restrictions may be placed on the use and parking of vehicles as part of the terms and conditions of residence in University accommodation on and off campus.
- All users of the University’s Premises must adhere to the speed limit in force on the Premises.
1.2 Use of Motor Vehicles
- These Regulations apply to anyone bringing a vehicle onto the University’s Premises.
- A vehicle which is not registered for use on public roads, or Non-Motorised Vehicles, shall only be used or parked on University Premises with the written consent of the Transport Manager.
- All persons using or parking a vehicle on University Premises do so entirely at their own risk whether to themselves, their passengers, the vehicle or its contents. The University will not be responsible for any loss of or damage to any vehicle or to anything thereon or contained therein.
- All persons using a vehicle on University Premises must observe all provisions of the law relating to the use of motor vehicles on public roads, together with any further requirements stipulated in these Regulations or the parking terms and conditions of the University.
- All persons using a vehicle on University Premises must observe speed limits and all other signs regulating traffic and parking within the University, and must obey the directions of University Transport Operatives and Security Officers. Failure to do so could result in exclusion from bringing a motor vehicle onto University Premises.
- Learner drivers are not permitted to drive on University Premises without the written consent of the Transport Manager.
- Unauthorised driving or parking on footpaths, verges, grassed or non-designated areas is prohibited.
- Parking is only allowed in designated car parks and within marked bays or designated areas. Parking anywhere else is classified as an obstruction and is prohibited.
- Staff, Students, campus partners and Visitors may not park in a Blue Badge holder or accessible bay unless they are a registered Blue Badge holder or eligible for a University Accessible Permit.
- A Parking Permit will be invalidated if the vehicle does not have valid vehicle tax and MOT, where they are required.
The Permit Controlled Period is 08:00 - 17:00 on Academic Premises, and continuous at Halls of Residences. Continuous parking of vehicles between 23:00 - 06:00 on Academic Premises is prohibited unless the Transport Manager has given express permission.
Staff in the CAO employment categories whose shifts commence before the start of the Permit Controlled Period will not be charged for parking, however, a permit will be required if the shift extends into the Controlled Period (there will not be a charge for these permits).
2. Parking permits
2.1 The University offers the following Parking Permit types for Motor Cars, providing that the eligibility criteria is met:
- Staff Parking Permit
- Night shift permit
- Student Parking Permit
- Blue Badge permit
- Accessibility Permit
- Lift Share Permits
- Visitor Parking Permits
- Contractor Parking Permits
- Departmental permits for vehicles used on University business
2.2 During the Permit Control Period all Motor Cars on University Premises must display a valid Parking Permit which is clearly and entirely visible from the front of the vehicle, or have an approved digital permit registered with the Transport Team. Parking Permits are required at all times on Halls of Residence Sites.
2.3The issue of a Parking Permit does not guarantee a parking space.
2.4 Charges for Parking Permits are reviewed at least annually and are linked to the University Travel Plan.
2.4 No Parking Permit will be issued to anyone who has an outstanding Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
2.5 All information provided to the Transport Team by Staff and Students on their relevant application forms must be true and accurate. Parking Permit holders must immediately inform the Transport Team of any changes in their details such as vehicle details, address and salary band via the parking permit system/SUSSED. It is prohibited to alter, tamper, duplicate or forge a Permit (whether physical or digital) in any way. It is also prohibited to transfer a University Parking Permit to another Motor Car that is not owned or used by the Permit holder.
2.7 Holders of a University Parking Permit are not authorised to park in spaces reserved and marked for the use of official vehicles, designated office holders, Visitors, or spaces reserved by bollards, signs or cones. Only Gower Permit holders are authorised to park in the Gower Car Park on Salisbury Road.
2.8 Parking Permits must be returned to the Transport Team if the Permit holder or a sharer on a Permit ceases working or studying at the University, or if the Permits are no longer required. The University reserves the right to refuse Permit holders access to spaces in car parks as and when required, in order to accommodate approved Visitors, Contractor activity and special events.
2.9 Students may not park vehicles at Academic Campuses without a valid Permit except with prior authorisation by the Transport Manager or if they are a Blue Badge holder. Undergraduate Students are not permitted to park at Halls of Residence sites unless authorised beforehand by the Transport Manager for exceptional circumstances.
2.10 Only one vehicle per Permit number may be parked on any University site at any one time. If more than one vehicle is found on site displaying a Permit with the same number at the same time, a PCN will be issued to all vehicles linked to the Permit.
Staff Parking Permit Eligibility
2.11Staff living more than 3 miles from their main University Campus (as calculated by the applicable online parking permit system, accessible on the Transport Website) are eligible to apply for a Parking Permit. If based on multiple campuses, the postcode of the campus furthest from their home address may be used.
2.12 The decision to grant a Parking Permit to Staff living within a 3-mile zone resides with the Transport Manager and requires evidence of exceptional circumstances for requiring a Permit. Declaration of a false home or work location will result in cancellation of the Permit.
Student Parking Permit Eligibility
2.13Undergraduate Students are not eligible for a Parking Permit unless registered with Student Disability and Inclusion and entitled to an Accessibility Permit or are a Blue Badge holder.
2.14 Students that commute from outside of Southampton and who are not eligible for an Academic Campuses parking permit may apply for a permit to park at Montefiore Non-Residents Car Park which is based at Wessex Lane, SO18 2NU. There is a regular Unilink bus service from Wessex Lane to Highfield, Avenue and Boldrewood Campuses. Alternatively, Highfield Campus is a 15-20 minute walk.
2.15 To apply for a Parking Permit, Students must first be registered as a University of Southampton Student and have a Student ID and email account.
Accessible Parking/Blue Badge Holder Bays
2.16 Blue Badge holders
2.17 Blue Badge holder and accessible parking bays are provided on all Academic Campuses for use by eligible University Staff, Students and Visitors, and as close as possible to building entrances. Staff and Students who are Blue Badge holders should apply for an Accessibility Permit to park on Academic Campuses, Premiss and Halls of Residences. Visiting Blue Badge holders are welcome to park in any available bay on the University’s Premises as long as they display a valid Blue Badge.
2.18 There is no charge for Blue Badge holders.
Accessible Parking Permits
2.19 Staff who require a University Accessibility Permit but are not Blue Badge holders should apply for an Accessibility Permit and provide the recommendation from Occupational Health. Students who require an Accessibility Permit who are not Blue Badge holders, should apply for an Accessibility Permit and provide a recommendation from Student Disability and Inclusion.
2.20 University Accessibility Permits are charged at the normal rate.
Lift Share Permits
2.21 Members of Staff are encouraged to opt for a Lift Sharing Permit; all car sharers must be registered on the application and have registered with the My Journey Car Share app (details on University Transport Website). The principal applicant is responsible for payment of permit fees. All sharers must meet the Parking Permit eligibility criteria.
Visitors
2.22 Visitors to Highfield may use the Pay and Display Car Park, or the Reserved Visitors' Car Park if their host School or Department has pre-booked a space. It is the host's responsibility to inform the Visitor beforehand of the University's parking arrangements and Regulations. Alternatively, Visitors to all Academic Campuses can be registered for approved events or activities and issued a temporary digital permit, if agreed with the Transport Manager (or designated deputy) in advance.
2.23 No Visitor has a legal right to park on University Premises and must not do so if appropriate provision has not been made. Visitors to Halls of Residence must display an appropriate Permit, available from Halls of Residence Receptions.
Contractors
2.24 In order to park at the University a Contractor must display a valid Contractor Parking Permit, obtained from the University’s Estates and Facilities department (reception, B35 L3).
Departmental Permits
2.25 There are two types of departmental permit. One is specific to a University owned vehicle and the other is for business critical use of a privately own vehicle. All departmental vehicles on campus must be registered for an approved departmental permits. Application for a departmental permit for a private vehicle requires line management sponsorship during the application process.
3. Enforcement of Regulations
3.1 The Transport Team and Security Services are responsible for enforcing the parking Regulations under the direction of the Associate Director, Environment & Sustainability and Executive Director of Estates & Facilities. APCOA Parking (UK) Ltd have been appointed by the University to support permit application processes and campus enforcement including the issuing of PCN’s.
3.2 Academic Campuses and Halls of Residence are enforced via a combination of on-foot patrols and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Appropriate signage informing all car park users of parking Regulations and enforcement measures are clearly displayed on all sites.
4. Parking offences
4.1 Failure to follow these Regulations will be considered a parking offence and may result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) as set out in section 5.
5. Penalties
5.1 Persons who breach these Regulations may be given a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £50, or £75 for a serious offence. The PCN must be paid within twenty working days from the date of the PCN being issued. A discount of £25 is given on PCN’s paid within ten working days of the PCN being issued. Holders of parking Permits who park vehicles in spaces reserved and marked up as Blue Badge or Accessible bays may have their permits summarily withdrawn at the discretion of the Associate Director Environment & Sustainability. In such circumstances, a pro-rata reimbursement of the charge made for the Permit may be considered by the University.
5.2 PCN’s are issued digitally, to the registered permit holder or registered owner of the vehicle. PCN’s may also be issued physically by Transport Operatives or Security Officers. PCN’s will be issued to unregistered vehicles that remain in car parks, with a 15-minute grace period to allow for circulation and or/drop off visits.
5.3 The University reserves the right to have removed any Motor Car or Vehicle parked on University Premises which is in contravention of these Regulations. The University has the right to recover from any person who breaches these Regulations legal or administrative costs incurred by the University in addition to any PCN imposed under the Regulations. Nothing in the Regulations shall in any way inhibit or restrict the University’s other legal remedies against persons who breach these Regulations.
6. Appeals to Procedure
6.1 The appeals procedure for a PCN is clearly stated on the PCN sent to the registered keeper or attached to the relevant vehicle. Appeals may be made on the basis that the relevant grounds stated on the PCN can be demonstrated to be materially incorrect or inaccurate or if exceptional circumstances were prevailing at the time of the offence.
7. Failure to pay a PCN
7.1 PCNs are issued by enforcement officers who are employed by the University, complying with the guidelines of the British Parking Association Code of Practice. In the event of a member of Staff breaching these Regulations and failing to pay a PCN subsequently issued to them, APCOA Parking (UK) Ltd are appointed to pursue outstanding payments in line with these Regulations.
8. Non-University Permits
8.1 Parking Permits issued to the occupants of buildings/offices leased by the University will be subject to the University parking terms and conditions and the Permit terms and conditions of the issuing company (e.g. Southampton City Council, Southampton General Hospital). Data may be shared with the relevant Parking Teams for the purpose of managing and enforcing parking within their car parks.
9. Motorcycles/Powered Two Wheelers
9.1 Motorcycles and Powered Two Wheelers should be registered on the parking system and will be free of charge to park on campus. The parking Regulations apply to Motorcycles/Powered Two Wheelers; therefore, PCNs can be issued if breaches occur.
9.2 Powered Two-wheelers and Motorcycles may be parked in any suitable location on University premises, provided they are not parked under a window and not in a location which causes an obstruction, nuisance or disturbance. Should the parking team deem the Motorcycle/Powered Two Wheeler to be causing an obstruction, nuisance or disturbance, a PCN will be issued and the owner asked to move it.
10. Provision for Electric Vehicles (EV’s)
10.1 The University provides charging points for EV’s on Highfield Campus, Boldrewood Campus, Avenue Campus and Winchester School of Art. The University supplier for these facilities is PodPoint, and charging is accessed via registration to the PodPoint app. Parking Regulations apply for the car parks in which charging points are provided and include charging bays.
11. Use and Parking of Bicycles
11.1 This section is applicable both to Students and to Staff who are hereby notified that all Bicycles parked on University land are parked there at their owners' risk.
11.2 Cyclists are required to observe and to comply with the Regulations concerning the movement of traffic on University sites, including those relating to the one-way system on the Highfield Site.
11.3 Cycling on footpaths and grassed areas on University sites is prohibited.
11.4 Bicycles do not require parking permits. This includes e-bikes which are electrically assisted but still reliant on pedal operation.
11.5 Bicycles should be parked in designated areas where racks, stands or other facilities are provided. Bicycles stored in cycle sheds on Academic Campuses and Halls of Residences must be removed at the end of the current academic year unless prior authorisation has been given to leave it there. Under no circumstances may Bicycles be taken into buildings or parked where they are liable to cause obstruction, for example near ramps for use by Disabled People, attached to railings or at entrances to buildings.
111.6 Bicycles that are found in buildings or parked where they are liable to cause obstruction may be removed or impounded. Bicycles left on University Sites, or in any University cycle shed without authorisation after the end of the current Academic year will be treated as abandoned. Notices will be affixed to Bicycles thought to be abandoned and after 28 days, they will be removed and disposed of by the University. Security locks and other devices will be cut if necessary. A charge may be made for the recovery of an impounded Bicycle. The maximum charge shall be authorised by the University from time to time.
Cases of non-compliance with any of the above Regulations may result in offences being referred to the Vice President (Operations) who will take appropriate action.