Drivers and tram passengers have welcomed tougher parking rules being brought in by NET from today. The tram operator will step up enforcement patrols at its Forest Park and Ride site from Monday, October 17, to deter drivers from misusing the facilities or leaving their car without buying a valid tram ticket. Misuse of the facilities includes parking in blue badge spaces.
New signage has also been installed to inform motorists of the bylaws regulating the facility, and to highlight that unlawful parking could result in a £140 vehicle release fee or a charge of £200 if the vehicle needs to be removed from the site.
Callum Sturlik, 41, said: "It's just people being inconsiderate and a bit reckless really. It happens most days people aren't even parked properly.
"I'm not sure if it's just this car park as well because I haven't really seen it in other ones. It's obviously a quite large car park so you will always get the odd idiot.
"It shouldn't be difficult to park in the bays though. I think those fines are what's needed. If it stops people from parking where they're not supposed to and stops people being an inconvenience for other drivers then I'm all for it. I don't think that's harsh."
Amy Benjamin, 35, who lives in Mapperley, said: "I would need more than two hands to count the amount of times I've struggled to park because of people parking wherever they like. I don't know what they think this is.
"I mean bad drivers are my bug bear anyway so it gets me quite angry. I park here so that I can get the tram into Hucknall for work.
"I have no issue with any fines to be honest for people not following the rules - make it higher! It's definitely a lot of money but then maybe people will learn.
During the campaign, any charges applied for the release of vehicles will cover the cost of the enforcement action, and a robust appeals process has been put in place for anyone who feels they have been treated unfairly.
"Jon Cutmore, 60, said: "I mean it can be a bit of a nightmare, but what car park can't, you know? Others fine you for no reason but this one is okay.
"I think that clamping fine is a bit much if I'm honest. No, I wouldn't be happy if I got that.
"Of course, people can be reckless but people deserve a second chance as well, if they're been caught more than once than I think that's fair enough. But I don't have much trouble parking here at all, really.
"I guess some people could park in the disabled bay, that's out of order. I'll have to be more aware now if there are these huge fines being handed out."
Trevor Stocker, NET’s Head of Operations, explained: “By far the majority of people park correctly, but at The Forest we’ve recently seen an increasing number of motorists leaving their cars outside marked bays and using disabled spaces without a Blue Badge.
“This selfish behaviour makes parking more difficult for our customers, particularly those with mobility issues, who frequently ask us to take action against those responsible. In extreme cases, incorrectly parked vehicles can even restrict access for the emergency services.
“Those found flouting the rules and parking unlawfully - including motorists suspected of parking up with no intention of using the tram - now risk having their vehicles clamped or even towed away.”
“Five per cent of the charges will also be donated to charitable causes that help NET to make the tramway safer for everyone,” Trevor added.
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