‘This vehicle will cause an accident’ — claim

THE van parked in Middleton Road, Chadderton

A PROMOTIONAL van left at the side of a busy road is being investigated under Oldham Council’s crackdown on illegal advertising.

Residents in Chadderton have complained that a yellow van has been inconsiderately parked in Middleton Road for three weeks.

The owner stresses that the van is fully taxed, insured, has an MOT and is legally parked — but council chiefs say they will assess the situation.

Earlier this year, officers began taking action against advertising vehicles following an increasing number appearing around Oldham.

It has resulted in 15 offenders — mainly roadside advertising vehicles — being moved from sites across the borough. One other case is currently being prosecuted.

Chadderton resident David Wright spotted the van on Middleton Road, where he catches the bus every morning, and claims it’s dangerously parked — but as it’s in a gap between double yellow lines and bus stop markings it is not illegally parked.

He said: “They parked it right where the bus pulls in. The buses can’t see until the last second if anyone’s coming. There could be a head-on smash.

“It’s bad enough that it’s flaunting planning and advertising rules but to put the public at risk is totally outrageous. It will cause an accident.

“There are markings in the middle of the road so I believe there should be no parking there anyway. The markings should have been extended to where the bus pulls in.”

Barry Malone is using the van to promote a new business — Yellowtom. com — in Oldham, a website that acts as a search engine and an online local business directory.

He said: “I’ve had a couple of calls and moved the van a couple of times.

“The van is legally parked but I don’t want to upset anyone. It’s a local website for the local community and is fantastic for promoting businesses.”

He added that he had contacted the council before using the van and was assured he was doing nothing wrong.

His efforts to move it again though have been hampered by someone letting down two tyres..

Councillor Mark Alcock, member for environment and infrastructure, said: “We expect companies to act responsibly and remove vehicles when they are unsightly and on, or near, a highway and causing obstruction or hazard to motorists.

“Any firm which intends to use trailers or vans in this way would require planning permission and under no circumstances should they be left on the highway.”