Road Use and Parking Charter - Last Updated 4th November 2025

1. Road Use and Parking Charter

 

1.1 Purpose

 

This Parking Charter is issued under the authority of the board of THRS Ltd. It governs the use of the private roads managed by THRS Ltd with respect to both vehicle parking and general road use. Its purpose is to ensure the fair, safe, and reasonable use of limited communal space, protect access for all residents, and preserve the quiet enjoyment of our neighbourhood.

 

1.2 Scope

 

This Parking Charter applies to:

 

  • All residents and occupants of properties on roads managed by THRS Ltd
  • Visitors, family members, and contractors associated with these properties

 

These shared guidelines are intended to promote fairness and neighbourly cooperation, and all parties are encouraged to follow them in that spirit.

 

1.3 Parking Charter

 

(a) Priority Use of Private Driveways

Where a property benefits from a private driveway or allocated off-road parking, it should be used as the primary location for parking by residents and their visitors. On-road parking should only be used when no reasonable alternative exists.

 

Note on Accessibility:
We recognise that some driveways may have constraints that make certain manoeuvres (e.g. loading children or accessing car doors) more challenging. However, the use of on-road space must remain equitable and considerate. The communal road should not be used to compensate for individual property limitations.

 

(b) Use of Road Space and Property Frontage

While contributions toward maintenance and resurfacing of the private road are calculated based on property frontage, this does not confer any form of ownership or exclusive rights to the section of road directly outside a property.

 

The roads managed by THRS Ltd are considered shared communal infrastructure, and no individual resident may mark, reserve, or restrict access to any portion of the road.

 

All residents are reminded that road space must be used in a way that is fair, non-obstructive, and in keeping with the shared nature of our community.

 

(c) Respect for Shared Access

Residents and visitors should ensure:

 

  • No vehicle obstructs or impedes another resident’s driveway.
  • No vehicle limits emergency vehicle access or restricts turning space.
  • No cones or unofficial markers are used to “reserve” spaces.

 

(d) Visitor and Contractor Parking

Visitors and service providers may only park on the road temporarily and should:

 

  • Park considerately, avoiding driveways, pinch points, and narrow bends.
  • Ensure that vehicles do not obstruct visibility; residents must be able to safely and directly access or exit their driveways.
  • Prioritise the host’s driveway where available
  • Display a valid visitor parking permit clearly at all times while parked on the road.
  • Be coordinated in advance for frequent visits (e.g. long-term works), with neighbour courtesy.

 

(e) Non-Resident Use of the Road

The roads managed by THRS Ltd are private and must not be used by non-residents or their associates for:

 

  • Accessing local amenities such as the town centre, train station, or leisure facilities
  • Overflow or long-term parking for vehicles not routinely associated with a property on the road

 

There is no right, nor any implied allowance, for residents to extend parking use to visitors for such purposes. Doing so places unnecessary strain on shared resources and undermines the communal nature of our road space.

 

(f) Roadway Visibility and Emergency Service Access

THRS Ltd-managed roads are narrow in places, with several junctions, bends, and pinch points that require care and consideration when parking. To help maintain safety and accessibility for all:

 

  • Vehicles should not obstruct driveways, turning areas, or property access.
  • Parking must not hinder emergency vehicle access or create blind spots at junctions or bends.
  • Particular attention should be given to preserving sightlines and ensuring space is left for safe turning and passage.
  • Parking in front of the bollards at the bottom of Unity Road is not permitted under any circumstance, as this space must remain clear at all times for emergency access.

 

Residents and visitors are asked to park with courtesy and in a way that respects the shared nature of the road space.

 

(g) Speed Limits and Driving Behaviour
All vehicles using THRS Ltd-managed roads must proceed with extreme caution and at low speeds at all times. These roads are shared by children, pets, pedestrians, and cyclists.

 

Drivers must not exceed 20 mph under any circumstances.

 

Aggressive, careless, or excessive-speed driving will be treated as a serious safety violation and may lead to immediate enforcement action.

 

(h) Conduct and Disputes
Residents are expected to approach any parking or road-use concerns in a neighbourly and respectful manner. Wherever possible, differences should be resolved directly and amicably between those involved.

 

The Board encourages open, constructive dialogue and asks that residents:

 

  • Refrain from confrontational or harassing behaviour
  • Avoid retaliatory actions (e.g. removing a vehicle from a driveway to block others)
  • Not leave anonymous notes or engage in disputes in public view

 

If a matter cannot be resolved informally, it may be raised in writing with the Board. Anonymous complaints will not be considered.

 

1.4 Conclusion

 

Parking is a shared and limited resource. This Parking Charter is intended to balance the rights of all Shareholders while maintaining fairness, safety, and a spirit of neighbourly cooperation. Compliance is expected from all parties, and informal, good-faith dialogue remains the board’s preferred approach to resolving concerns.

 

THRS Ltd can provide signage for properties indicating that the road is private, and residents are encouraged to:

 

  • Display their own permits clearly.
  • Ensure all visitors use and display valid visitor permits.
  • Affix appropriate signage to discourage casual or opportunistic use.

 

These small steps make a noticeable difference in reinforcing that our roads are privately managed, and we appreciate everyone’s help in protecting this shared space.