More than 100 drivers fined for flouting the law

The sign on South Parade

More than 100 motorists have received £30 fines for driving in the restricted area of South Parade and Yorkshire Street in Rochdale Town Centre.

Officers from Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team increased their patrols at the two locations to enforce traffic restrictions and issue non-endorsable fixed penalty notices to motorists found breaking the law.

Police Constable Terry Wild led the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team on Tuesday 17 August in giving fines to drivers found disregarding the ban.

PC Wild said: “This is just the start of our campaign to come down hard on motoring offences.

“These measures send out a strong message to all motorists that there are serious consequences to ignoring these restrictions. This will in turn reduce the offences being committed.”

The move comes after a number of vehicles were found ignoring the ban, which restricts vehicles that aren’t buses or taxis from entering the restricted area between 7am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

Motorists found committing this offence were issued with £30 fines for contravening a sign relating to a traffic order.

Liz Thirsk, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Only the police can stop motorists and issue tickets to those caught driving illegally down South Parade, Yorkshire Street and Baillie Street. Flouting the law and continuing to use these roads as short-cuts during times when cars are not prohibited is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated, especially since there is clear signage publicising the restrictions”.

Wera Hobhouse, Chairwoman of Rochdale Township Committee, said: “This issue is repeatedly raised by members of the public at Township Committee, and this is another example of us listening and taking action. I welcome this police initiative and am pleased to see Rochdale Township continuing to work effectively in partnership with the police.”