‘Illegal’ and ‘obstructive’ parking on Whitworth Road

Concerns have been raised over ‘illegal’ and ‘obstructive’ parking on a section of Whitworth Road in Rochdale.

Photos sent to Rochdale Online taken over several hours on 4 January show a number of vehicles parked on double yellow lines between the junction of Jarvis Street and Greenbank Road.

Local residents say they are “concerned and frustrated” about the issue, saying that such parking “poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of pedestrians, especially the elderly, infirm, visually impaired, disabled individuals, and parents with prams or buggies.”

The concerns over vehicles ‘repeatedly’ parking on the double yellow lines have been raised with Rochdale Borough Council, the MP's office and Greater Manchester Police.

 

 

One resident, who took the photos, said: “The problem at hand revolves around the increasing instances of pavement parking, vehicles blocking footpaths, parking on double yellow lines, disregarding loading restrictions, and obstructing cycle lanes.

“These violations not only contravene the Highway Code but also endanger the lives of those who must navigate around these illegally parked vehicles.

“Residents are forced to walk on busy and dangerous roads, putting them at risk of life-changing or fatal injuries. It is alarming to witness the frequency with which this is occurring, and it demands urgent attention and action from local authorities.

“The safety of our community is paramount, and it is disheartening to consider the potential consequences if action is not taken soon.”

The Highway Code states: "You MUST NOT wait or park on yellow lines during the times of operation shown on nearby time plates (or zone entry signs if in a Controlled Parking Zone). Double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs. You MUST NOT wait or park, or stop to set down and pick up passengers, on school entrance markings when upright signs indicate a prohibition of stopping."

However, disabled badge holders can park for up to three hours on a single or double yellow line as long as it is safe to do so (but not within 15 metres of a junction) and if there are no loading restrictions. The clock on the badge must be set to show time of arrival.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said: “We’re aware of this issue, are looking into it and will action as appropriate.”