A crackdown on illegal matchday parking is being launched. Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are working together with Manchester United, targeting fans leaving their vehicles on verges, footways, roundabouts and other unauthorised locations.

The authorities say they pose a danger to pedestrians, other road users and themselves, as well as making it difficult for emergency vehicles to attend accidents and emergencies.

Over the Christmas period, the Council and GMP issued 779 penalty charge notices to vehicles parked illegally. Those caught face a fine of up to £70.

Cllr Steve Adshead, Executive Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, said:

“We don’t tolerate indiscriminate parking in our borough and we certainly won’t let it happen around Old Trafford on matchdays.

The vast majority of fans who drive to the game park sensibly and legally. But we will crackdown 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 Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Steven Prescott 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. While the majority of fans attend games and are gracious and respectful of others, there are some who are disregarding the safety of others and are parking their cars in illegal areas surrounding the Old Trafford stadium.

This is unacceptable and irresponsible. We want to make sure all fans can fully enjoy the games and have a pleasurable experience. 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.”

Cllr Adshead 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.

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