Changes to three hours free parking scheme in Rochdale town centre approved

Town centre car park across from Number One Riverside

Changes to the three hours free parking scheme in Rochdale town centre have been approved after it was revealed that staff at Number One Riverside were parking throughout the day for free.

Councillors on the Rochdale Township Committee heard that staff at Number One Riverside have been parking in more than one car park or simply buying another ticket after three hours so they can park all day for free. This, a report from council officers to the committee says, is against the intent of the three hours free parking scheme.

The report states: “It has been noted that a sizeable number of staff from Number One Riverside, on expiry of the free three hour ticket, are simply obtaining a new ticket or moving to a new location, thus obtaining a further free ticket.

“This practice is unfair on shoppers and other motorists who comply with the car park conditions and is difficult for the council’s enforcement officers to control.

Under the changes, car parks on Milton Street West, Lower Penn Street, Baillie Street and Penn Street will be clustered to form one large zoned car park and therefore will become car park zones A, B, C and D.

It will become an "offence" to obtain more than one free three hour ticket in the same charging period. Milton Street East will be designated a ‘Permit Only’ car park and hence a motorist will need to first purchase a council permit to use the car park. Enforcement of the Traffic Orders will be by council civil enforcement officers.

There were 40 objections ranging from staff who have to return to and from Riverside sometimes a number of times a day, and hence will face a hike in the cost of parking, to those, such as social workers, who fear having to park further away could make them more "vulnerable".

Example: "I spend a lot of time visiting families and attending meetings across the borough. There are regular occasions where I will spend an hour at Riverside in the morning, go out on visits, then return late in the afternoon. Your proposal would mean that despite me only being parked in the car park for a total of two hours for that day, I would be forced to pay for a full day’s parking or would be unable to return to any car park located near the office in which I am based. It is unreasonable to expect a person to pay the fee to park for a full day when they are spending little time in the car park throughout the day."

The response from 'Highways' in the report was: "This is not an unusual situation for many who work in town and city centres across the country. In the existing situation it is not guaranteed that spaces will be available on a specific car park on return should one leave the car park prior to the expiry of a ticket. Under the proposals the ticket cannot be transferred between zones but alternative car parks are available close to the town centre if another ticket is acquired. The aim of the order change is to free up space for shoppers rather than staff employed in the town centre."

Example: "As child protection social workers we are often subject to abuse from service users. This can sometimes go as far as stalking and death threats. Your proposal puts social workers at a greater risk in relation to this by forcing them to park a distance away from the office."

The response from 'Highways' in the report was: "If targeted attacks are likely, or possible, it would be advisable for staff to remove identification prior to leaving the building. The proximity of their parked vehicle should not increase any risk of attacks. The Director of Children’s Services will ensure that all current risk assessments are up to date and as stated above if staff have concerns over their welfare or safety they should discuss these with their line manager."

It is not yet known when the changes will take place.