SAFE PARKING REMINDER FOR MATCH-GOERS

Football fans are being reminded to park legally or face a fine for endangering public safety.

Middlesbrough Council has made repeated calls in recent years for supporters heading to the Riverside Stadium on matchdays to be considerate in their parking.

Recently the authority put 400 warning notices on vehicles reminding drivers that their behaviour would lead to a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

However, that warning was not heeded and at the last home game against Swansea City on Saturday, December 4, a total of 85 PCNs were issued on the roads closest to the Riverside Stadium, including Dock Street, Heath Road, Priestman Road and Vulcan Street.

Issues included illegal parking on grass verges, footpaths, central reservations, roundabouts and dangerously by slip roads.

The PCN is a fine of £70, which is reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.

A renewed warning is now being issued ahead of Saturday's 12.30pm kick off against Bournemouth at the Riverside.

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Council said: "Some of the parking around the Riverside Stadium on match days is illegal, causes a danger to the public and is completely unacceptable.

"Despite repeated requests over a number of years for visitors to follow the rules of the road, and hundreds of warning notices issued, we are still seeing a large number of vehicles parked in contravention.

"We would ask again that supporters heading to the stadium make use of one of Middlesbrough's many public car parks or travel on public transport and avoid causing a danger to fellow match-goers.

"Our preference would be not to fine people and that is why we have issued warnings and reminders in the past however we will take action where necessary in the interests of public safety."

ENDS

Press Notice 6755. 17/12/21

Issued by Andrew Pain, Senior Communications Officer on 01642 729503.

www.middlesbrough.gov.uk

Follow Middlesbrough Council on Twitter: @MbroCouncil

NOTES TO EDITORS

Picture captions

Pn6755 Riverside parking 1 - 6 - Images show some of the dangerous and inconsiderate parking for which drivers attending Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium have been warned and fined over.