POLICE have warned people they can get fined for driving through Nelson’s Scotland Road pedestrian precinct during the illegal time - or simply just parking there.
Although Nelson now has a traffic route through Manchester Road and Leeds Road, there have been problems with cars going through or parking on Scotland Road precinct during the main part of the day, which is illegal.
Cars parked there can have an impact by blocking the emergency services - ambulances trying to get to people who have collapsed, police hoping to respond to thefts, robberies, attacks or fights, and fire crews trying to get to fires in the centre.
PC Ian Willis, Community Beat Manager for the town centre and Whitefield Ward, said: “The Scotland Road pedestrian area is purely for pedestrians between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“Business vehicles only are allowed access for loading and unloading from 4 p.m. and 10 a.m., or all day Sundays. Driving through is an issue, and parking is illegal - it’s only for loading and unloading.”
PC Willis is going to place letters on cars parked illegally to warn them they will face a fine if they do it again.
He also pointed out that Scotland Road pedestrian area has a speed limit of 20 m.p.h. now but added: “That is the highest speed you can do. I would ask people to go even slower and watch out for pedestrians.”
On each Wednesday at 2-30 p.m. PC Willis holds a PACT surgery at the Beacon Centre in Whitefield Ward’s Maurice Street. Anyone from the town centre or Whitefield who wishes to raise issues with him can call in to see him. Alternatively, you can call him on his mobile - 07984 318083 - or email him at ian.willis@lancashire.pnn.police.uk