Drivers given red card at SoL parking

Visitors to Sunderland’s Stadium Park have been urged to keep to bays over safety fears for children prompted by “reckless and dangerous parking”.

Sunderland AFC, along with the newly-completed Beacon of Light and neighbours Sunderland Aquatic Centre and the Hilton Hotel, have issued a plea to those parking up to stop leaving their vehicles under the eves of the Stadium of Light.

Leaflets have been left on the windscreens of cars as they spread the word.

Louise Wanless, head of communications at SAFC, said on behalf of the businesses: “There have been ongoing concerns expressed by the four venues situated within the stadium park development regarding reckless and dangerous parking on the site.

“With more than 1,000 parking bays on site, there is more than adequate parking available for patrons using the four venues. In order to promote a safer and more controlled environment, the four partners are working closely together to educate patrons regarding parking protocols and to seek support from them to park responsibly.

“This is especially important due to the high number of children using the new Beacon of Light and Sunderland Aquatic Centre.

“We also have to ensure that the designated disabled bays remain available for patrons with accessibility requirements and that is currently not the case.

“Recently, an independent inspection highlighted the significant safety issue of patrons parking underneath the north stand area of the stadium.

“With the issue being formally brought to our attention, the club must take action to address this matter, along with the wider issue of parking.

“The four partners on the site are working closely to resolve the issues and to ensure that the transport needs of all patrons are catered for as far as possible, including on match days.

“Whilst the first stage of addressing this will take the form of information and education, should the issues continue then stronger action will need to be taken as compromises cannot be made in relation to safety.”

Visitors have been told they must park in bays, that parking is “strictly prohibited” on the paved area around the stadium or in the bus drop-off zones and that disabled bays must only be used by Blue Badge holders.

They have also been told to be mindful of the speed limit and to be extra vigilant when accessing the site.

“There is more than adequate parking available” LOUISE WANLESS

Cars on the paved area next to the Stadium of Light before advice was issued that it should not be used for parking.

The notice left on vehicles at the Stadium of Light as the message is spread about the rules of parking at the site.