‘Dead of night’ wardens catch out motorists
METROLINK passengers at Manchester’s Park and Ride stations are being fined £100... by wardens who lurk around at 3am.
A number of drivers parked their cars at East Didsbury Metrolink station, next to Heaton Mersey, on Friday to enjoy a night out – but when they returned the following day they were greeted by the fines printed in the early hours.
Mum-of-two Melanie Bates, 43, a childminder from Heaton Mersey, was fined at 2.30am at the station. She was on a night out to celebrate her husband’s new job.
They saw a sign saying you can only park if you use the service but missed the notice ruling out an overnight stay.
After a night out, they were gutted to be hit by the £100 fine – reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
She said: “They are trying to reduce the carbon footprint and encourage more people to take public transport and yet they are fining people in the middle of the night.
“It’s happened to other people I know – it means they are actually going around Metrolink car parks in the dead of night to catch people out.”
Kathryn Dainty, 40, of Heaton Moor, also received a penalty notice after leaving her car overnight at the station car park.
She said: “I was only going to West Didsbury for a meal with a friend but I didn’t want drive home after having a drink.
“I decided use the tram and pick the car up in the morning.
“I have used the free park and ride before with no problems. I knew it was only for Metrolink users because that is only information on the signs that is in big enough type to be read when you drive in.
“I can’t believe many people go and scrutinize the signs close up for all the small print.
“I won’t use Metrolink again in the evenings, if fact I am not sure whether I want to use it ever again. I will either drive from now on or get a taxi because however expensive it is, it won’t be anywhere near the £100 fine.”
TfGM, whose park-andride facilities are run by a private firm, say parking outside tram service hours is prohibited.
A spokesman added: “Our parking regulations are in place so that our park and ride facilities are used safely and as efficiently as possible.
“Metrolink park and rides should only be used by passengers during the hours tram services are running, which is made clear on signs.”