MANY Bolton motorists feel they are being given a rough ride when it comes to parking in the town centre.

A lack of parking spaces and a battle to avoid fines has seen many drivers left with a bad case of road rage.

The BEN went out onto the streets of Bolton to ask people what they think.

"I DON'T like paying for parking my car. It is hard to find parking places in Bolton and it must be bad for business. People will just shop away from Bolton in places like the Trafford Centre. There should be more incentive to come into the town. There doesn't seem to be any flexibility."

Stephen Haywood, aged 38, of Halliwell

"PARKING in Bolton is a nightmare as there are not enough spaces. You can end up having to walk a long distance into town and I have seen plenty of people getting tickets. I would like to see more car parking spaces."

Nathan Higgins, aged 22, of Horwich

"I THINK there is quite a lot of parking, but it is expensive and over priced. I have also heard people say they have been a few minutes over their parking time and have got a ticket. There is not much leeway. There should be more free parking as it is driving people away from the town centre."

Toni Whiteley, aged 50, of Green Lane, Bolton

"THERE is a lack of free parking and sometimes you can't even get a space in the car parks. There is free parking in Bury and at the Trafford Centre. It is much cheaper to park in Bury and I think a lot of people will choose to go there."

Phil Williams, aged 36, of Bromley Cross

"PARKING in Bolton is horrendous. I think it is expensive and inconvenient. People don't want to come into the town shopping because of it. There is nothing to encourage people to shop in Bolton. Places like the Trafford Centre have free parking and people will just go there to shop. I often see traffic wardens prowling round. They are over enthusiastic."

Michelle France, aged 19, of Shipton Street, Heaton

"THE parking prices are a bit dear. I think they should reduce the prices and there should be more parking for people working in Bolton. I have had a problem with traffic wardens. I parked one foot over the line at McDonalds and got a ticket."

Philip Howcroft, aged 29, of Bolton.