Drivers hit by parking fines

MORE than a dozen motorists are today facing the prospect of a £70 fine after being caught out by a new tough stance on parking near Manningtree train station.

Essex County Council has asked Tendring District Council to start enforcing parking restrictions on the A137 road leading up to the station, creating the prospect of scores of commuters facing fines.

Enforcement, which has been publicised with leaflets warning of the stance being issued to car windscreens, began on Monday and a number of people have already been caught out.

During a visit to Manningtree Station yesterday The Evening Star was unable to find anyone directly affected by the new tough stance on parking.

However there were several cars parked up on the A137 near the station with a number carrying fixed penalty notices on the windscreen.

Meanwhile a spokesman for Tendring District Council said a total of eight tickets were issued by enforcement officers on the A137 on Monday.

The spokesman said: “The feeling is that the warning note that went out a little while ago proved successful and most people heeded the warning.”

The £70 fines are reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.

The number of cars left along the A137 while their owners head to London or other towns to work has grown over the years.

Before this week around 50 cars a day would park on the verge of the road.

Among them are motorists from Ipswich keen to avoid the busy platforms and parking charges at Ipswich station.

Rail operators National Express East Anglia say plans for the extension to the Manningtree car park are progressing well but he could still take several months to complete.

Surveys are currently being carried out on the site and the scheme is expected to “significantly increase” capacity.

Did you get caught out with a ticket? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk