Yesterday, while in Swindon to see the Swansea Ballet Russe perform the Nutcracker, suitably supported by membrs of the local dancing school, I noticed that the height restriction into the carpark was 2 metres. There was no imperial equivalent. The carpark is owned by Swindon Council. I presume this is illegal but would like confirmation. I think the ballet russe will next be in Wimbourne for those interested in such things Lanyard Theatre). Swindon, frankly, was a depression. Local council planning at its very worse BUT the Chalet Bakery in the main drag does good cheap quick meals.

It is unlawful if the sign is directed to cars coming off the road. The sign is not unlawful if it is within the car park.

The BWMA answer begs the question of what is the position about height signs actually on height barriers *at the entrance* to car parks.

I maintain that according to both the law (especially in DPP -v- Jones) and to correspondence from the Department for Transport that these must be in Imperial because the public *have access to the car parks* (I concede that they could be in metric as well).

Logically also they should be consistent with signs on the roads

Body of a letter sent to Swindon Borough Council

On a recent visit to Swindon I noticed that the height for head clearance at the entrance of the multistorey car park near the Wyvern Theatre was marked in metres (two metres).

According to the Ministry of Transport such signs must be in Imperial measure because the public "have access to the car park".

I look forward to hearing what steps you will be taking to replace the illegal signs with signs in Imperial.

Perhaps Vicki would like to refer to Mr Adam Doggett's claim for damages to his car against Broxbourne Borough Council as reported here on 19 June 2002.

We have a detailed report on the Doggett case but are waiting for a photograph of the damage.

A year and a half ago I wrote to the London Olympia complaining about the height restriction for their car park being solely expressed as four metres, and they said that they got legal advice on the issue and apparently the sign is not covered by the 1994 Regulations. Yet surely it counts as much as 'private property where the public have access' as the car park at the Ballet Russe.

Can someone fill me in on this? I really find it doesn't add up.

Letter received from Swindon Borough Council

Thank you for your letter dated 4 February 2003 concerning the signing of the height for head clerance at the Wyvern car park.
These signs do not have to be in accordance with the Department of Transport traffic signs on the highway, consequently, I have no intention of replacing them.
I can find no previous complaint to the council because the signs are not showing the height in imperial measure for any of my six multi-storey car parks. I am confident the Swindon Council tax payers would not thank me for spending out on new signs particularly as there are other financial pressures on the authority.
Yours sincerely Tony Foss Group Leader Parking Services.

Whilst in Birmingham I noticed that the Council had metre only height measurements on entering the carpark.
Also, in Birmingham indoor market a meat stall called Bunny does a good line in leg and shoulder of mutton. (Not always easy to get mutton). Also saw a Cornish blue measuring jug in one of the departmental stores. It was "fully comprehensive" with imperial, metric, cups and, if I remember correctly, American. Ideal for people like me who move effortlessly between the various systems. I was going to buy the jug for one of my son's but the price of about £13 caused my hand to freeze before I got it to my purse.

Swindon council is obviously customer focussed!

no wonder the aspiration of any swindonian is to leave!