Access protection markings, also known as H bar markings, are white lines placed on the road, normally in front of driveways and garages.
They help drivers identify that if they park there they may be causing an obstruction and that they shouldn’t block access to off-road parking areas.
What does a H bar marking look like?
H bar markings are easily recognisable to help deter drivers from parking inconsiderately.
How to apply for a H bar marking?
You can
apply for a H bar marking online. You will need to register first and then select the link for ‘Access Protection Markings“H” Bars” from the dropdown list.
You cannot apply for a H bar marking over shared use access points unless you have written consent of everyone permitted to use that access point, or where some other parking restrictions are already present, for example double yellow lines.
You will be required to read, understand and agree to the below before applying.
General
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Access protection markings (H Bar markings) are advisory markings to highlight to drivers that it is an unsuitable place to park. They are most commonly used in front of garages and driveways, although they can be placed at any point where the kerb has been lowered to meet the level of the carriageway explicitly for the purpose of vehicular access across the footway.
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It is not in itself an offence to park on a H Bar marking.
- Any installation of a H Bar must conform to certain legal criteria so there may be times when H Bar markings cannot be installed. Each site will be assessed individually and against the current Council standards. Similar installations within a localised area will not automatically result in approval of a given application.
- All applications must be made in the manner determined by the Council. The Council reserves the right to alter the application process at any time should the need arise.
- If your application is successful the Council will make every effort to progress the process of installation as quickly as possible, however no time frame is guaranteed as it can take an undetermined time to arrange for your markings to be painted.
- The Council reserves the right to deny any application when it is not satisfied that the conditions to which an application must be made have been fulfilled.
- Every application will be considered on its own merits, and;
- On an individual basis the Council reserves the right to vary these terms and conditions at any time.
Costs
- Any application for an H Bar marking will cost £223.75. This is non-refundable. There are currently no charges for Blue Badge holders.
- Full payment will be required before any inspection is carried out or any work is started.
- If your lines become faded or broken, you can ask us to repaint it. However, this will incur additional costs which will be determined at the time that you ask us.
When you cannot apply
- If you already have the following parking restrictions in front of your driveway or garage (this list is not exhaustive and every application will be considered given the individual parking restrictions already or intended to be present in the area):
- Double yellow lines
- Zig Zags
- Bus stops
- Dedicated parking bays e.g. resident permit bays
- If the kerb has not been lowered to meet the level of the carriageway explicitly for the purpose of vehicular access across the footway.
- To create a private parking space for your own vehicle to park on. Markings that are continually parked on by the resident or their visitors may be removed.
- If the H Bar is for any other access apart from the applicants.
- If you are an occupant of Council, housing or a tenant property. H bar markings can only be installed in these instances when formal approval is given by the relevant housing authority or landlord. A copy of written permission from the Council, housing, owner, or landlord is required before approval can be given, or;
- If the access point is for the benefit of multiple properties. H Bar markings can only be installed in this instance if you can provide written consent from all of the persons who have the right to use that access point. It will be the applicant who is responsible for the full costs.
How much will it cost?
There is a charge
of £223.75 per H bar marking, which is non-refundable. Payment must be made by debit or credit card before the application can be processed. There is no charge for Blue Badge Holders.
What happens next?
When you submit your request it will need to be assessed to ensure all the required details are complete.
When your request is approved and the H bar marking process is completed you will receive email confirmation with the documents and cover letter.
At any stage you can
log in to view the status of your request.
Can someone be fined for parking on a H bar marking?
Yes. While it is not in itself an offence to park on a H bar marking, a Penalty Charge Notice (parking fine) may be issued if the H bar marking is placed where the kerb has been lowered to allow for vehicle access across the footway.
If you see a vehicle parked on a H bar marking where the kerb has also been lowered then it can be
reported to us confidentially.