Astley Bridge resident anger at parking ticket

Astley Bridge resident John Tate says he has now ‘lost faith’ in the council.

John says he parked opposite his house, due to being unable to park on his drive at the time because of bus, as a bus stop is located outside his drive on Belmont Road.

He did not realise there were parking restrictions limiting the time cars could be parked there.

John said he planned to move his vehicle once he was able to get into his house, but found he had been stung by a parking ticket.

He said: “I don’t know why I got a ticket because you can’t read the sign.

The bus stop outside his house

“When they gave me this ticket, I didn’t think I would have to pay it.

“I thought you would be able to park for free.

“There weren’t any meters or anything to give you any information.

“I have lost faith in the council.

“They are supposed to be assisting us and helping us out.”

John’s original fine was £25, but this has since increased to £50, but parking services have said that £25 can be paid within 14 days of their most recent letter.

The sign in question

The council has said that there is a second and much clearer sign, just a short walk away on the same parking bay.

But John says that he did not see it as he did not walk in that direction.

A letter was sent in response to John’s appeal of the notice.

It states: “We have carefully considered what you say but we have decided not to cancel your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

“There is a sign where you parked which explains that, although parking is free in that bay, you can only park for a certain length of time.

“You were issued a PCN for parking for longer than this.

“This rule applies to all users of the bay.

The sign further down the road

“Although one sign is a little faded there is another sign within walking distance that clearly states the restrictions.”

Since The Bolton News contacted Cllr John Walsh – who represents Astley Bridge – he has agreed to take the case one.

Cllr Walsh says that he has previously had success in appealing a number of cases for residents who were hit with fines, due to the signs not being legible.

He said: “I would always encourage people to pay the fine, so they don’t pay the higher penalty.

“They should then write to parking services and explain if the sign is not visible or if there are no yellow lines and send a photograph of the defected signs.

“I have been successful with one in the last 10 days.

“The signage needs to be clear.

“I will have a look at this and take the case on.”

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If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.