By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
The operator of Nottingham’s tram network says it will clamp or tow vehicles parked by motorists who are not using park and ride facilities how they should.
Some are using The Forest Park and Ride for overnight parking, and some are parking outside of designated bays.
There are 972 parking spaces at the site and, according to Trevor Stocker, the head of operations for Nottingham Trams Ltd, a number of these are being used “unsafely”.
In a progress update, Mr Stocker said: “There are two main issues for tram customers using this P&R facility.
“We need to ensure maximum capacity for tram customers using this facility.”
A new 24-hour parking enforcement plan now covers the site. The new rules came into force on Monday (October 17).
If the new rules are broken, motorists face being clamped and even having their vehicle towed.
The removal of a wheel clamp would cost £140 and if a vehicle is removed from the site, recovery of the vehicle would cost £200 with an additional £35 per day storage charge.
The enforcement comes following a “challenging period” for the operator amid supply chain issues and staff shortages between July and September.
Mr Stocker said: “This has been a challenging period due to the unprecedentedly high temperatures in July which had an impact on the performance of all rail-based transport operators.
“Further to this, there have been issues with tram availability, which were impacted by supply chain issues, but this has returned to more regular levels.”
Some ticket prices across the network have also been increased.
Short hop ticket prices have increased from £1 to £1.50, while an adult single now costs £2.80 and a student single £2.20.
Season tickets and all-day tickets remain the same price.
NET’s progress will be discussed during a Nottingham City Council meeting at Loxley House on Tuesday, October 25.
