A new crackdown on drivers who illegally park their cars on Manchester United matchdays around Old Trafford has been launched. A warning has been issued to fans ahead of the Reds' game against arch rivals Liverpool on Monday (August 22).
Trafford council and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have joined forces with the club and are targeting fans who leave their vehicles on verges, foot paths, roundabouts and other unauthorised locations near the stadium.
Bosses are highlighting the danger that illegal parking can cause to pedestrians, other road users and drivers themselves. Anti-social parking can also make it difficult for emergency vehicles to attend accidents and emergencies.
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During Manchester United’s first game of the season, there were 204 illegal parking penalties issued. Most of these were on Wharfside Way, Bridgewater Way and White City Circle, where people had parked in dangerous locations.
The new purge comes after one over the Christmas period, when the council and GMP issued 779 fines to vehicles parked illegally. Those caught face a charge of up to £70.
Councillor Liz Patel, Trafford’s executive member for economy and regeneration, said: “Most fans coming to Old Trafford by car do park sensibly, but a small minority do not and their indiscriminate parking makes our roads dangerous for residents and visitors.
“As the football season restarts we will be cracking down on those who park illegally without consideration for the safety of others. They will face penalty charge notices and we will be working with the police to increase our enforcement of parking and highway regulations.”
GMP Trafford Chief Inspector Sarah Harris, said: "We are working closely with Trafford Council to ensure those in attendance at games are following the appropriate rules in place to keep people safe.
“We will not accept those who park illegally on our roads and we will take the relevant enforcement measures if they are seen parking in an unsafe and illegal area.”
Coun Patel urged fans to travel to games using public transport or to park responsibly in an authorised car park. There are two Metrolink stops just five minutes’ walk from the ground, including Wharfside on the new Trafford Park line.
Erik ten Hag has called for Manchester United to become unified as some supporters prepare to protest against the Glazer family.
United have lost both of their Premier League games this season, leaving them bottom of the table, and have been beaten in their last four fixtures, with a United player failing to score in any of them.
Several United supporters plan to protest against the Glazer family's ownership again before the visit of Liverpool on Monday night and it emerged in midweek Sir Jim Ratcliffe is interested in buying the club.
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