Parking issues at Milnrow tram stop

Local councillors and residents are becoming frustrated with the lack of parking provisions at Milnrow tram stop.

Councillor Allen Brett has described the situation as “intolerable” and states that on one occasion, he arrived at the stop before 7.30am and there were no spaces.

Councillor Brett said: “The situation at Milnrow tram stop has become intolerable with regard to parking. I experienced it myself when I arrived before 7.30am and there was no space but in deference to the residents of Equitable Street, I parked away. The problem has spilled over to Harbour Lane and Metrolink need to meet to discuss the situation.”

Unable to park at the tram stop car park, drivers are then said to be looking to park on nearby streets, which is affecting local residents.

It is understood that Councillor Brett and Councillor Neil Butterworth recently met with local Highways Engineers, who suggested ideas to help the problem, but the councillors were against anything that would affect local residents.

A spokesperson for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said: “Metrolink is a popular and environmentally friendly way to travel and we want to make it easy for drivers to leave their car behind.

“We have more than 1,000 free parking spaces for customers at stops along the Rochdale via Oldham line - more than any other tram line.

“We’re not aware of any parking issues in the Milnrow area but we are more than happy to discuss with the council how we might help them enforce local parking restrictions.”

Rochdale Council did not respond to our request for comment.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

UPDATE
2 November

Donna Bowler, Head of Highways, Property and Strategic Housing, said: “Milnrow councillors recently asked that we assess parking issues close to the Metrolink stop and factories and present them with a number of options to alleviate the issues. This is currently ongoing and we will seek feedback from TfGM and the local councillors before a decision is made by Pennines Township.”