Council puts brakes on all-day parking

CHARGES come into force today for anyone caught flouting the council’s new short-term parking rules.

The measures, which replace free 24-hour parking with free two or three-hour slots, were introduced last month in a bid to create spaces for visitors to Lees, Chadderton, Uppermill, Shaw and Royton.

Enforcement action has been suspended in Shaw and Royton following concern from local firms.

Councillor John McCann is Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for regeneration and environment.

He said: “When this scheme was first mooted we expected, and have received, views from people who are opposed to it.

“However, as previously stated, our parking attendants across the borough continue to receive positive feedback from motorists looking to find accessible parking. This has been consistently reported in the local media.

“Residents are happy they can now get to park in the district centres so they can use local services and shops.

“It also means local businesses will see money spent with them which may otherwise have gone outside the borough.”

The council is continuing to hold consultation meetings with residents, shoppers and businesses.

Councillor McCann added: “In Royton and Shaw we have now agreed to suspend enforcement action while we examine the concerns expressed by several businesses about the new arrangements.

“The provision of extra long-term parking is being arranged on the site at Royton Hall Primary School, Byron Street, to ease the pressures in this area.

Finally, we make no apologies now for clamping down on people who think they can park in disabled bays without a blue badge and get away with it.

“Our message is simple — you have been warned and you will be given a parking ticket.”

Restrictions will be in force between 8am and 6pm every day. Motorists who leave their vehicles over the free parking time limit will be issued with a ticket.

All the districts will still have a mixture of short and long-stay car parks. For more information call Oldham Council’s Parking Services on 0161-770 3389.