Infirmary parking problems finally resolved!

Residents around Rochdale Infirmary will finally get free parking outside their homes after a 3 year fight by the Liberal Democrats. Residents have suffered from parking problems, with people using the Infirmary parking outside their homes. At a Cabinet Meeting tonight the Council's Cabinet will confirm the news that residents, close to the Infirmary have been waiting for.

Council Leader - Alan Taylor said, "This is a problem that has gone on for far too long. This is something that has caused controversy for quite some time and it's high time we took positive action. Paul Rowen and our local Ward Councillors have been trying to sort this out for some time and we are happy to deliver this for local residents, hugely affected by people parking outside their houses. Why should people have to pay to park outside their own houses?"

This issue has caused controversy, with the last Labour / Conservative Administration trying to charge £50 for the permits.

Paul Rowen MP said, "When I was Leader of the Council in 2004 I promised free resident's parking for those affected around the Infirmary and I am glad that this is now a reality. I know that Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, a ward Councillor and Cabinet Member for Housing, in particular has been insistent that residents shouldn't have to pay for the privilege of parking outside their own homes. Residents will be sent 2 Parking Permits each and I ask them to keep them safe. This is a long time coming and I hope that the new scheme is properly enforced resulting in a better way of life for local residents."

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For further information please call Paul Rowen MP on 07976 295 205

DETAILS FROM THE REPORT ON HOW THE SCHEME WILL OPERATE:

5.2 It is proposed that a free permit scheme would operate as follows:-

a) Each household in the Residents parking zone will automatically be sent two parking permits. No application forms are required. The permit will be sequentially numbered.

b) The permits will not differentiate between householder and visitor. There is no advantage in specifying different users.

c) The permits will be pre-printed and be valid for a three year period. The permits will be generic and contain no vehicle registration details. The absence of vehicle registrations will remove the need to issue new permits when residents' change their vehicle.

d) The issue of free permits will remove the need for application forms, payment processing, bank receipting and record keeping. No database will need to be maintained.

e) It is recommended that to discourage abuse of free permits, and encourage permits to be looked after, a discretionary charge of £50 for replacement permits be approved.

Any vehicle not displaying a valid parking permit whilst parked in the zone will be liable to receive a Penalty Charge Notice