Shopper ‘disgusted’ at parking fine on Bank Holiday

Sue Popham is “disgusted” with Rochdale Council after she received a parking fine on Bank Holiday Monday (Monday 26 May).

Sue made a quick visit into Rochdale Town Centre to return something to New Look in the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre. Sue parked on Cheetham Street, outside of the Spread Eagle pub, and assumed that parking would be free.

Sue said: “I had been to Bury the day before and noticed that parking was free all day Sunday and on Bank Holiday Monday. I then called into Rochdale Town Centre to return something and just thought it would be free because it was everywhere else.”

Sue returned to her car after 10 minutes to find a parking fine. She added: “The fine was £50 reduced to £25 if you pay within two weeks. I’ve
paid it because I had to but it’s ridiculous that the parking wasn’t free on a bank holiday. Nowhere was open anyway.”

This is not the first time that there have been issues with parking charges during bank holidays. In a full council meeting in April, Councillor Colin Lambert stated that a review into all parking strategies across the borough would be undertaken.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough council said: “Parking is free on Bank Holidays, but only in our off street car parks. Charges still apply for on street parking. The onus is on the motorist to ensure they check the parking rules before they park their vehicle.

“As with all Penalty Charge Notices which are issued there is a right of appeal process and each appeal is considered on its own merit.”

Sue added: “When I got the fine I looked at the machine and it does say in very small print about paying on a bank holiday but how is anyone meant to see it in small print?”

Sue has now said that she won’t be visiting Rochdale Town Centre any time soon.

She added: “I won’t be going again. I understand it was my fault but I am annoyed with the council for charging for parking on a bank holiday. There isn’t a lot here anyway and they have the nerve to charge for parking.”