Unwary drivers pay the penalty

TRAM travellers using Metrolink car parks are urged to check up on the rules to avoid a hefty charge.

Two motorists have complained about £100 penalties issued at the Park and Ride bays at Derker and Mumps.

Angela Heneghan received her penalty at Derker Station for being parked outside tram operating hours - at 4.38am!

“I travelled to Manchester Castlefield for a night out with work colleagues and left my car to collect the next day. I’ve done this many times before and never received a penalty for it. I found the notice on my windscreen. This doesn’t encourage me to want to use the service again.

“I was being a responsible adult and not drinking and driving. The fine is totally unreasonable. This is a money-making scam.”

Catherine Pownall left her car at Mumps Station last weekend and found a penalty notice issued at 4am.

Penalties are issued for obstructive parking, parking in a disabled bay without a valid badge - and for parking outside tram service hours.

A spokesman for TfGM said: “Park and rides should only be used by passengers during the hours tram services are running, which is made clear on signs. Parking overnight puts your car at risk and inconveniences customers who arrive early in the morning to get a parking spot.”