Drivers fined over 'confusing' market place parking

Kevin Smart, who uses the car park regularly, said he was one of those caught out after the changes were introduced

Drivers say they are being caught out and fined for parking in what they claim look like normal bays in Beverley’s Saturday Market.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said the "circulation aisle" had been introduced "at the request of drivers" to give them more space to turn.

However, some disgruntled motorists said the new markings were causing a lot of confusion.

A council spokesperson said red signs had been put up notifying people that the "aisles" were not parking bays.

Council officials said the "circulation aisle" had been introduced to give drivers more space to turn

Kevin Smart said he was one of those caught out after the changes were introduced.

Mr Smart, who had paid for a parking ticket, said he was fined £70 for unwittingly parking in one of the restricted areas, adding that six other people were caught out at the same time.

He said he has appealed his fine, calling it "unjust".

Mr Smart said the market area now resembled a "Pacman game", adding that the council needed to rectify it quickly.

"It needs to be made more clear and they need to take up the markings from the old parking bays," he said.

"People are getting parking tickets everyday, and it's wrong."

'Not parking bays'

Other motorists concurred with Mr Smart.

Elizabeth Plumridge said the system was very confusing, adding that marking the restricted areas in a different colour might help.

Another man said while local residents might understand it, the system was confusing for people visiting the market town.

"They come in here looking for a parking spot, and it looks like a parking spot," he said.

Dominic Brown said the new system was confusing

Dominic Brown said: "There's that many road markings - the lines aren't painted on properly, there is signage, but Beverley is a busy place.

"They are reducing the amount of parking and you can just tell what is going on.

"They are making loads of money out of them," he added.

In a statement, East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “The council is currently working on the future of the Saturday Market pedestrianised scheme.

“The available aisles around the car park were introduced at the request of drivers, to give them more space to move around and to turn around if they need to.

“Red signs notifying people these aisles are not parking bays were put up to prevent any confusion.

“We always say that anyone who receives a parking fixed penalty ticket has the right to challenge it with the council.”

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