Motor Vehicle Parking and Permit Regulations

As a University we are fortunate in having designated car parking areas within walking distance of all main academic and residential buildings. However, on-site parking is limited and consequently parking on the University's Campuses is a privilege and not a right.

In the interests of safety and to allow free movement of vehicles within the car parks and access to buildings, vehicle owners must park only in authorised areas and the regulations identified in this document must be abided by at all times.

Alternative modes of transport to the University Campuses are encouraged. The SPA 1 & SPA 2 'bus services run directly into Bath City Centre.

The University also has a car sharing initiative which is a cost effective and convenient method for travelling. Details of this service are contained on the University website, Car2Spa.

Within this document a 'Motor vehicle' means any motorised two, three or four wheeled vehicle.

The Regulations detailed below are in force 24 hours per day, 365 days a year. Any breach of these regulations may result in the Motor Vehicle Parking Permit being withdrawn immediately if necessary, by the Director of Estates and Services or Head of School or in his/her absence by his/her designated appointee.

Any permit holder found parked in a space which is designated for those with disabilities, on the zig zag lines approaching zebra crossings, on zebra crossings, in bus stops, clearly marked loading bays, or the main road such that vehicular and pedestrian access is restricted, will receive an immediate ban from parking on site for the remainder of the academic year.

Failure to abide by these Regulations for motor vehicle parking may result in the withdrawal of the Motor Vehicle Parking Permit.

Not displaying a valid University Motor Vehicle Parking Permit may also result in the withdrawal of the Motor Vehicle Parking Permit.

The Regulations

  1. All motor vehicles must display a valid Motor Vehicle Parking Permit whilst on site;
  2. A Motor Vehicle Parking Permit allows the vehicle to be parked in a clearly marked and defined parking bay only;
  3. Access to University car parks, other than for visitors is restricted to motor vehicles carrying an official University Motor Vehicle Parking Permit.
  4. Parking in unauthorised areas and on pavements is strictly prohibited.
  5. Motor Vehicles must at all times be driven in accordance with the Highway Code and with due care and consideration for all vehicular traffic, pedestrians, University property and wildlife.
  6. Drivers must treat pedestrian crossings on site in the same way as those located off site and in all instances whilst driving on the University sites pedestrians take priority at all times;
  7. Only motor vehicles displaying the valid Bath Spa University or European Union (EU) Disabled Parking Permit are permitted to park in the designated disabled bays.
  8. Parking on designated footpaths, grass verges, yellow lines, hatch markings or loading bays, or in such a way to impede access to buildings or for other motor vehicles to move is strictly prohibited.
  9. Applicants must hold a full driving licence. Provisional licence holders are not eligible to apply for a permit.
  10. All vehicles must display a valid Vehicle Excise Licence (Tax Disc).
  11. All vehicles must have a valid MOT test certificate in force AND the vehicle must be in roadworthy condition, throughout the duration of the Motor Vehicle Parking Permit or EU equivalent.
  12. All motor vehicles must be insured for the duration of the Motor Vehicle Parking Permit. The University has the right to access the Motor Insurance Database to verify the existence of valid insurance of vehicles parked on site.
  13. The maximum speed limit on site is 15mph at all times, unless road conditions require a slower speed. The main roadway system has speed detection signs. Failure to observe the speed limit or dangerous driving may result in immediate withdrawal of the Motor Vehicle Parking Permit.
  14. All users of motor vehicles on site shall comply with traffic signs, notices and parking length of stay signage which may be displayed either permanently or from time to time and with instructions from Security Officers or other employees having requisite authority. All lost and/or stolen permits must be reported to the Estates Department and any changes in motor vehicle must again have a new permit obtained. Any replacement permit is only valid for the remainder of the academic year.

Breach of Motor Vehicle Parking Permit Regulations

By accepting a Motor Vehicle Parking Permit, you are agreeing to these Regulations and further agree to be bound by them at all times.

Failure to do so, on any occasion, will be notified to you by one or all of the following:

A record of notifications and/or alerts will be filed and retained against each Motor Vehicle Parking Permit database entry. Photographic evidence may also be retained in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

It is at the discretion of the University if a Motor Vehicle Parking Permit is to be withdrawn. The withdrawal is not dependent on a number of infringements. It can be after the first if it is considered that the infringement put the health and safety and continuity of operation of the University and its community at risk.

Any further infringements of these Regulations, by drivers/riders who do not hold permits will be dealt with under the University's Disciplinary Procedures.

Motor Vehicle Parking Permit holders who have had their permit withdrawn and who continue to flout these Regulations in a given academic year may also be banned from bringing a motor vehicle onto campus or applying for a Motor Vehicle Parking Permit in the subsequent academic year.

It should be noted that the University reserves the right to withdraw a Motor Vehicle Parking Permit immediately should it be considered that driving on the site was dangerous or indeed the general behaviour was such that it put the University community at risk.

Any breach of these regulations may result in the Motor Vehicle Parking Permit being immediately withdrawn by the Director of Estates and Services or Head of School or in his/her absence by his/her designated appointee.

Appeals

Appeals against any denial of vehicular access must be made within 7 days of the date on the letter withdrawing the Motor Vehicle Permit to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor will carry out an investigation, which will include consultation with such individuals, as he/she considers relevant. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor will then decide one of the following;

  1. The Motor Vehicle Parking Permit was validly withdrawn and no further action is necessary; or
  2. The Motor Vehicle Parking Permit was not validly withdrawn and shall cause a new Motor Vehicle Parking Permit to be issued for the remainder of the Academic Year.

The decision of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor is final.

Additional Notes

All students must provide a 'valid insurance certificate' to collect a Motor Vehicle Permit for each motor vehicle registered.

Residential students at Newton Park, Waterside Court, Charlton Court or Bankside House sites are restricted by planning condition which does not allow parking and therefore cannot be registered for a motor vehicle permit unless the student is registered with a disability. Please refer to your licence agreement and resident's handbook for further information or seek clarification from student housing.

Persons using motor vehicles on the University sites do so at their own risk, and the University will not accept responsibility for loss or damage to them or the contents unless caused through negligence of the University or a member of its staff.

Motor Vehicle Parking Permit Holders should be aware that offences relating to these regulations are also subject to the University's Disciplinary Procedures.

Motor Vehicle Permit Holders should note that parking spaces to the front of Main House is a 'drop off' point and consequently parking in this area is limited to 1hour with no return within 1 hour.

The University may introduce an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system on entry and exit to the campus. Records would be held in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

Upon expiry of the motor parking permit the permit holder undertakes to remove the motor vehicle from site.

Last updated: July 2011.