Car Park Signage In Caithness - The Rules From The Council
3rd September 2020
A number of signs have been put up in car parks across Caithness over the last few weeks. These are statutory control of use orders and the Highland Council are required to put them up. This is part of a programme of work that has been rolling out across Highland over the last 2 years. The current signs are based on standard terms that apply across Highland.
Please note that in line with community feedback, horse trailers and vehicles are permitted to use specific Highland Council car parks.
Please note that these signs are entirely separate from the Car Park Consultation that commenced earlier this year. The signs merely set out the conditions for using the car parks and do not introduce charging.
The Car Park Consultation, which was to consider the introduction of charges, has been on hold since March due to covid-19. There have been no discussions to date when this might recommence.
Overnight Parking
To clarify confusion regarding overnight parking:
any sign that states ‘no overnight parking' on a public road has no regulatory status and cannot be enforced.
These are allowed within a car park to inform users. However enforcement of this requires a clearer definition and all Highland Council signs have the following definition: "parking of vehicles manufactured or converted for the purpose of sleeping between 10pm and 8am is prohibited."
This means that vehicles such as campervans/caravans etc. cannot stay on a location overnight. This is enforceable by Highland Council Parking Enforcement Officers.