A 'few weeks' before 'free after three' parking comes in

Rochdale Online news would like to inform readers that the Council's 'park for free after three' intiative will not be in place for a 'few weeks'.

The scheme will apply to all Council run pay and display car parks across the borough but it will take time to finalise the decision before the policy comes into effect.

Rochdale Online will provide an update as soon as the Council provides a date when the scheme will start but until that time drivers are advised that if they park after 3pm without displaying a valid ticket they are likely to be issued with a parking fine.

Commenting on the scheme, Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said: “I am pleased that the Council have implemented one of my suggestions. Whilst we have ambitious plans for our Town Centre, it is vital that we support our traders. I would like to see this extended to a Saturday too as it’s vital to do everything we can to boost trade and foot fall in our Town Centre.”

Central Rochdale Councillor Zulfiqar Ali said: “This move is very welcome and I am sure that local residents will appreciate it. I have written to the owners of the Wheatsheaf Centre asking them to follow our lead and ensure that we work together to do everything we can to give our traders a lift in difficult times.”

Readers should also note that at present the policy will apply during weekdays only and that the Council has no jurisdiction over the prices and policies of privately owned pay and display car parks, such as those at the Wheatsheaf Centre and the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre.