Excel, the firm responsible for overseeing parking at Chorlton Precinct, has agreed to review cases of motorists being penalised for using the well-known shortcut following an intervention by local MP, John Leech.
In response to concerns raised by Mr Leech on behalf of local residents who had been sent parking tickets after being snapped cutting through the Precinct by its new automated cameras, Excel has now pledged to review cases on an 'individual basis' and has already scrapped at least one penalty charge. However, the response received by Mr Leech from Excel has raised fears that the shortcut will now be permanently closed to passing motorists.
John Leech said:
"This situation is frankly ridiculous. The Precinct has been used as a shortcut for many years so for Excel to start penalising people for passing through it is completely unacceptable. I am pleased that they have agreed to review each case on an individual basis and have agreed to scrap at least one of the tickets, but they mustn't now take this partial agreement as a carte blanche to restrict access further.
I've been in touch with Manchester City Council and asked them to look at actions that can be taken to regulate this area as an established right of way and to protect Chorlton residents from any attempts by the owners of the precinct, or Excel parking, to restrict access with barriers. It now remains to be seen how the Council will react but this response from Excel is certainly a step forward."
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