Middlesbrough Council slams illegal Riverside stadium parking

Another 117 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were placed on cars during Middlesbrough FC's 2-1 win at home on Saturday afternoon.

The local authority said the parked cars showed no regard for public safety and the contravention controls in place.

Supporters have been urged to leave their car responsibly in one of Middlesbrough's numerous town centre car parks, including the council-run facilities France Street and the Zetland multi-storey.

Read more: Middlesbrough fans warned about bad parking near Riverside Stadium

Late last year, Middlesbrough Council enforcement officers handed out 400 warning notices at a home fixture, explaining to drivers that they would be fined if they continued to park illegally and inconsiderately.

Despite this, 85 drivers were handed PCNs at the home game against Swansea City on December 4 and another 80 were issued close to the Riverside at a fixture against Bournemouth on December 18.

And at the latest home game against Reading on Saturday, 117 penalty charge notices were issued after cars were parked on double yellow lines, pavements, central reservations and grass verges on Shepherdson Way, Heath Road, Cargo Fleet Road and Marsh Road.

Previously, drivers had also left their cars on roundabouts and dangerously by slip roads, with the poor parking causing damage to footpaths, drain covers and kerbstones.

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Council said: "Some of the parking around the Riverside Stadium is illegal and irresponsible, and can be a danger to the public.

"Council officers have given drivers a host of warnings over the years, but the advice is not being heeded and Penalty Charge Notices have now followed.

"We urge supporters heading to the stadium to make use of one of Middlesbrough's many public car parks, or travel in on public transport.

"We do not want to fine people, but to avoid causing danger to fellow match-goers we will take action where necessary in the interests of public safety."