Parking in the city centre overnight?

ApeXaviour

If I was to drive into town on friday evening, park say on merrion square and then go out and have a few scoops. Then come back and sleep in my car til morning then drive home. Would that be okay law-wise? Is there a charge for parking over-night or anything? I mean since it's out of business hours shouldn't there be no charge?

Bluetonic

ApeXaviour wrote:

If I was to drive into town on friday evening, park say on merrion square and then go out and have a few scoops. Then come back and sleep in my car til morning then drive home. Would that be okay law-wise? Is there a charge for parking over-night or anything? I mean since it's out of business hours shouldn't there be no charge?

Isn't it illegal to operate (not just drive i.e sleep in) a motor car whilst under the influence of booze.

Just get a taxi/B&B/Hotel.

MicraBoy

Where ever you choose to park will have its own signage stating what the hours you have to pay are. Usually over night is fine, as in post 19.00 or 20.00 and then pre 7.00 or 8.00. It depends where you park really. In fairness though there are a few over night car parks with reasonable rates (St. Stephens Green for example), probably a bit safer.

IIRC a story about some one getting done by the guards for being in control of a vehicle whilst under the influence before they had started the car so watch out for that! Might think you are going to drive off if you are getting in for a kip.

Third_Echelon

perhaps if you put the keys in the glovebox or something that may be ok. If you have the keys in the ignition, they could probably do you....

HelterSkelter

Yeah, go for the overnight car park, rates are usually €5 or 6 from 6pm to 11am next morning. Safer, nobody is going to come knocking on your window during the night. And yeah, I heard they cops can do you for being in the driver seat while drunk so make sure you sleep in passenger seat or in the back seat.

Victor

Some areas have paid parking until midnight, but these tend to be in the inner suburban villages as opposed to the city centre. Check the signage on the particular street.

I suspect being anywhere near the vehicle and being drunk can get you done.

BrianD

Merrion Sq is pay and display on Saturdays. I'm sure the clampers would have a great laugh clamping you while you sleep off the booze.

Where abouts do you live? I can not imagine why anyone would want to sleep in a freezing cold car on a public street in order to have a few pints. Might I suggest you don't drink? Then you can get home afterwards. What happens if you, err, score?? Bring her back to the motor on the square or the multi-storey?

I know of one individual who died tragically while sleeping in his car in a car park. Turned on engine to heat car, left engine on and the car caught fire. Furthermore, once you have the keys on you and are in the car you are in control of a mechanically propelled vehicle and liable to be done for drink driving. The vehicle does not have to be moving.

Road Traffic Act 2003 wrote:

"12.—(1) This section applies to a person in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place who, in the opinion of a member of the Garda Síochána—
(a) has consumed intoxicating liquor,
(b) is or has, with the vehicle, been involved in a collision, or
(c) is committing or has committed an offence under the Road Traffic Acts 1961 to 2003.

Do yourself a favour, drive in and park in a multi-storey and get a taxi home.

John R

Cars are not well insulated, in this weather the temperature inside the car will quickly fall to similar temps as outside the car.

Leave the car at home and take the night bus or taxi home.

SeanW

Colin Farrell got busted for doing what you are proposing to do. He had the keys in the ignition.

ApeXaviour

Right so.. I figured there was a reason why people didn't do this often. I'd lie in the passenger seat but yeah I'd have to have the keys in the ignition for a bit to heat up the car. Garda wandering around the city centre, prob not the best idea, especially since they could well see me stumble into the car.

For those wondering why I would do this I suppose I'll explain. I have to bring a whole load of stuff to a flat in college on friday evening where a party will be held (that I'll be attending). It's too much to carry on the bus and when the 'rents go away I like to make use of the car.

So I guess I'll just drive up with the stuff and unload, then park outside my friend's flat up behind smithfield and walk back. I can stay on his floor, twud be warmer I suppose.

ApeXaviour

Right.. I'm not doing that again

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