Drivers fined for parking on their own driveway due to 'over-zealous' traffic officers

Motorists in a UK city have been slapped with fines for parking on their own driveways, sparking outrage and confusion. The issue arose in Manchester, where residents have been hit with penalties despite parking on their property, due to errors by "over-zealous" traffic officers coinciding with the opening of the new Co-op Live arena.

Since the venue's launch on April 20, a staggering 159 tickets have been dished out. Locals claim they've been unfairly targeted, leading to a lengthy backlog of appeals.

Councillor for Ancoats and Beswick, Alan Good, expressed his frustration to the Manchester Evening News: "We've only ever asked for one thing with the changes to the Eastlands parking scheme, and it's to remember that the scheme exists to protect residents."

He continued, voicing his disappointment over the rollout of the new parking scheme: "I'm beyond disappointed at how many problems have arisen from the introduction of the scheme and that residents have been left in the dark whilst challenging incorrectly issued tickets. We've asked questions about how the parking wardens have been trained and I've asked council managers for a plan on how they're going to get on top of the situation."

A spokesperson for Manchester City Council addressed the situation, stating: "Through the Eastlands RPZ the council has worked to ensure that residents living in close proximity to the Co-op Live Arena and the Etihad will be able to park close to their home, whilst preventing out of area motorists creating logjams in the area during event nights.", reports Birmingham Live.

"Engagement has taken place since March 2022, providing residents with information and updates on how they can apply for free permits, or how to apply for visitor or carer passes. All current information on the scheme is available on our website, at https://www.manchester.gov.uk/parking."

"During the opening weekend of Co-op Live there were 159 PCNs issued, 16 of which have been appealed. The Council can confirm when an appeal is made the case is frozen as is the 14-day early payment window. If a resident with a parking permit or a resident who is entitled to a resident parking permit has been issued with a PCN, the PCN will be cancelled if the resident appeals the PCN."

"The Council will support residents when applying for a permit, but we would remind people that it is their responsibility to ensure that they have applied for a permit, in order to avoid any future penalties being issued."