Outcry over bikers threatened with tickets for parking outside the Wine Press

Motorbikes parked outside the Wine Press

There has been a huge outcry from bikers and non-bikers following our news article this week regarding motorcyclists being warned by traffic enforcement officers that they faced getting ticketed for parking outside the Wine Press at Hollingworth Lake.

Hundreds objected to what they see as the Council being "petty" and "harassing" bikers, who have parked there for years "causing no harm". Many non-bikers said they find the bikes a "good attraction" and "look forward to seeing them".

In response to motorcyclists outside the Wine Press at Hollingworth Lake reporting that enforcement officers had told them that their bikes were illegally parked and new parking laws mean bikes can no longer be parked there, a representative of local Motorcycle Group, MT Heads said: "We would like to know what recent changes to parking laws have affected motorcycle parking, are there other areas in the Borough where these 'new changes' will affect motorcycle parking, also local councils have a duty to provide motorcycle only parking areas, when and where can we expect to see these at the Lake and in other parking areas within the borough?

Rochdale Council say there are "no new laws" but the Council "has a duty to enforce parking restrictions consistently across the Borough".

Mark Widdup, Director of Economy and Environment at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Double yellow lines outside the Wine Press are enforceable from the centre of the road to the back of the carriage way, which is the kerb line where the black railings are situated. Any vehicles/motorbikes parking up to this line may be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice.

"We have not received a request for motorbike parking bays in the nearby council car parks, but it is certainly something we can look at if there is a requirement to do so. In the meantime, motorcyclists may use pay and display facilities available.”

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/88044/motorcyclists-warned-not-to-park-outside-the-wine-press