TRAFFIC WARDENS SET TO PATROL FREE CAR PARKS
Crackdown on drivers who park badly or misuse disabled bays
MOTORISTS face being fined on four council-run car parks for the first time – as traffic wardens are set to go out on patrol.
The Alsager car parks – Well Lane, Station Road, Fanny’s Croft and Fairview – are currently free and traffic wardens are not authorised to take enforcement action against nuisance parkers.
But Cheshire East Council is now consulting over plans to issue penalties on the car parks in a crackdown on drivers who park across two bays or use disabled spaces without a blue badge.
It is part of a wider consultation which could see parking charges increase in Crewe and Congleton from March.
A council spokesman said: “The proposal is to bring Alsager’s car parks under a car parking order. This is to ensure the adequate and appropriate turnover of spaces and the best use of the councilowned assets. An order requires motorists to abide by the terms and conditions of using the car parks.
“With regards to enforcement, we take a sensible approach and will initially encourage and promote responsible, considerate and legal parking habits. Following this, where it is necessary, penalty charge notices will be issued to vehicles parked in contravention. This is a genuine consultation and we will review the proposals based on representations made, prior to any implementation.”
Motorists are backing the crackdown – as long as parking remains free.
Resident Jo Dale said: “As far as I understand it there are no plans to charge for parking so fingers crossed it won’t happen because it will be detrimental to Alsager.”
Chris Shemilt, from Lyon and Co, in Crewe Road, says parking can Pictures: Malcolm Hart be difficult in the town. He
added: “It can be evil trying to get a space. I’m beginning to wonder if people park in Alsager and get a train to Kidsgrove or Crewe.”
Cheshire East councillor Martin Deakin said: “Parking is a problem and residents regularly contact me about pavement parking and parking on double-yellow lines and anything which enforces parking is a good thing.
“I will do my utmost to make sure parking in Alsager remains free.”
The parking consultation runs until December 19.