Enforcement of signposted coach and HGV spaces at Little Roodee in Chester has been criticised after penalty charge notices (PCNs) were issued to coaches that were unable to park within them because of the presence of several motorhomes.
The problems arose on Saturday 17 June, when a race meeting was held in the city and many coaches arrived. Rochdale operator Sounds Travel was among the businesses that received a £50 PCN at Little Roodee for not parking in accordance with the markings.
Director Steven Ward does not dispute that his vehicle was outside the bays, but pictures show that coaches could not park correctly after having been admitted due to the volume of motorhomes. Despite the coach area being full, more were allowed to enter that could not easily leave due to congestion, while motorhomes were left undisturbed.
Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), which controls the Little Roodee parking area, says that it is the designed “for coaches and all other vehicles.” It adds that any vehicle requiring more than one car bay should use the area that is dedicated to “oversize vehicles.” A sign at the entrance indicates that requirement, a spokesperson says.
However, Mr Ward has provided a picture taken on 17 June of a sign at Little Roodee that states the area in question is for coaches and HGVs only.
It is understood that while CWAC enforcement officers issued PCNs to coaches that could not park correctly after being admitted, no such notices were issued to motorhomes within the bays in question.
“Any vehicle may receive a penalty if it is found to be parked incorrectly,” the CWAC spokesperson continues. When questioned whether the council may consider moving any that are left where they should not be, they add that it has no authority to do so.
Mr Ward has settled the PCN at the discounted rate of £25 for early payment, but he has complained to CWAC over the treatment of coaches at Little Roodee and raised it with other operators and trade bodies. “In fairness, our driver was outside the lines, but it was the nonequal treatment that forced me to write an email,” he says.
