Commuters faced with parking fines as rules change

Motorists have been left angered by Rochdale Council following a change of rules in parking on Maclure Road.

Numerous commuters who get the train from Rochdale park their cars in the bays provided and leave their vehicles there from morning to evening.

However, many received a shock earlier this week when they returned to their cars to find they had parking tickets for parking in a “residents parking bays.”

The traffic order to change the road to residents parking was passed in July and came into force on Sunday (1 August 2010). Residents in the area were consulted but it seems other users of the bays were not.

Aamer Khan received a parking ticket at the site yesterday. He posted the following on the Rochdale Online Forum:

“I feel out of control of something that could have been so easily sorted out.

“As far as I know, no regular parkers were notified and the only signs are on posts - the nearest to me was almost hidden by the branches of a tree - and there are no road markings to say it was residents only parking.
Mr Khan added: “So much for promoting using the train station, Rochdale Council, you've failed us again!”

A spokesperson from Rochdale Council explained the reason for the change of parking close to the station, they said: “The current proposals are part of a wider parking strategy for the area, due to planning permission being granted for the new Primary Care Trust Centre.

“Demand for on-street parking in the area is very high due to its close proximity to the town centre, railway station, Church, school, residential and business properties and the new care centre.

“The newly provided parking bays allow for residents parking and for free limited waiting for up to 2 hours.”

A consultation period for the changes took place between 25 November 2009 and 23 December 2009. A period for objections was given which expired on 23 December 2009.

A report was then sent to the Rochdale Township for decision on 11 February 2010, where the proposals were approved.

The spokesperson added: “At the time when the scheme was advertised, consultation leaflets were sent to all properties directly affected by the proposals giving full details of the scheme and offering them a chance for their views.”