Following the success of campaigns to clamp down on the misuse of NET park and ride sites across Nottingham, enforcement patrols will soon be operating in Hucknall and Moor Bridge.
From Monday, September 18, anyone who parks outside marked bays or uses disabled spaces without a Blue Badge risks being clamped. Motorists who leave their vehicle without a valid NET ticket or pass will also face a release fee of £140, rising to £200 if their car needs to be removed from the site.
First introduced at The Forest Park and Ride last year, the action against motorists who break the rules has been widely welcomed by the vast majority of NET customers, and the initiative has since been extended to similar facilities at Toton Lane and Wilkinson Street.
Trevor Stocker, NET’s Head of Operations, explained: “In total, across the three park and ride sites where patrols currently operate, more than 350 drivers have had to pay a release fee.
“However, we’ve seen a significant reduction in the number of motorists breaking rules that are clearly displayed in prominent locations within the car parks and at the tram stops.
“This is freeing up spaces for customers who frequently tell us they want firm action taken against a small minority that make life more difficult for everyone else, particularly those with restricted mobility.”
Additional, high-visibility signage is now being installed at Hucknall Park and Ride and Moor Bridge Park and Ride, informing users of the introduction of the enforcement measures, and the initiative is being widely promoted through NET’s social media channels and the local press.
“Once again, we would like to remind motorists that parking is exclusively for the use of NET customers, or in the case of Hucknall Park and Ride, tram and train passengers, who must have a valid ticket or pass for the day they use the facilities,” Trevor said.
“If customers legitimately need to leave their car overnight, they need to contact our customer experience team in advance or risk returning to find they’ve been clamped.”
Charges applied for the release of vehicles will cover the cost of the enforcement action, and NET will also donate five per cent of the charges to charities in the communities it serves and working with NET to make the tramway safer for everyone.
“A straightforward appeals process is also in place for anyone who believes they have been treated unfairly,” Trevor added.