LONG-SUFFERING have been given a 14-day ‘reprieve’ from parking fines after months of upheaval in a Saddleworth village.
The move, which begins today, means travellers using car parks in Uppermill will receive a warning notice if they have stayed beyond their permitted time rather than being booked.
It comes at the end of a million pound sewerage replacement scheme at Church Road which has caused months of widespread traffic disruption and impacting other villages because of long diversion routes.
Parking restrictions were relaxed during the works to enable traders and shoppers access to businesses.
Saddleworth ward councillors were kept informed of progress on the sewer works, carried out by United Utilities, by OMBC cabinet Cllr Dave Hibbert, who holds the highways portfolio.
The proposed completion date for the works was put back by ‘technical problems’, with letters were sent to householders and businesses by UU apologising for the delays, but Church Road reopened to traffic at the weekend.
For months drivers have been forced to negotiate narrow country lanes on diversions via Diggle and Greenfield to reach St Chad’s Church, a local primary school, pubs and houses in developments above Uppermill.
Now Cllr Hibbert has promised local councillors: “I will now inform all staff that when the works are complete signs will be placed on each of the car parks in Uppermill stating the maximum period of stay is now enforceable.
“The Civil Enforcement Officers will be instructed to issue warning notices to any vehicle found to be over the period of the maximum stay period for a period of two weeks – except for vehicles parked in a disabled bay without valid badges being on display.”
Cllr John McCann said:”I am delighted the council have agreed to give two weeks’ grace period and Uppermill car parks users will receive a warning notice if they have stayed beyond the permitted time rather than being booked.”
