23/07/2026
If you've been following the PARKING TICKETS at the Handbridge Summer Festival story, you probably won't be surprised to hear the Council's response which fails the common sense test that most of use think should apply. The pedestrian crossing was NOT in operation due to the road closure therefore there were no safety concerns warranting the parking fines; simple logic.
The Council supports the Handbridge Summer Festival and recognises the considerable efforts made by volunteers, organisers, residents and local Ward Members to deliver what was clearly a successful community event.
The circumstances surrounding the two Penalty Charge Notices issued on 28 June 2026 have been reviewed. Having considered the information available, I am satisfied that sufficient guidance and clear information was provided to the organiser.
The event guidance makes clear that a road closure does not suspend existing parking restrictions and that any vehicles requiring access or parking within a road closure area must have the appropriate authorisation, including parking dispensations where necessary. The event application process also refers to parking arrangements and dispensation requirements. When applying for an event, organisers are required to confirm that they have read the Council's event guidance.
A primary purpose of road closures for community events is to provide a safe environment for participants and visitors. Following national concerns regarding vehicle-related risks at public events, event planning processes have increasingly focused on reducing vehicle movements within event footprints wherever possible. In the case of the Handbridge Summer Festival, the agreed arrangements were designed to keep the event area substantially vehicle-free during operational hours for the safety of attendees, as detailed in the event plan and risk assessment.
Blue Badges do not appear to have been displayed in the two vehicles that received PCNs, but all motorists are required to comply with parking restrictions that remain in force unless specific exemptions have been authorised. The two vehicles could have been issued with dispensation permits if an application had been received.
The Council remains committed to supporting community events and the volunteers who make them possible while ensuring that public safety remains paramount and that parking restrictions are applied fairly and consistently. To support community events, the Council waives the legal costs of a road closure (the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order) and the costs incurred by the event to close the road were for the external traffic management company. Officers will consider whether there may be any additional opportunities during the application process to remind and reinforce to organisers the requirements for parking arrangements and dispensations.
Cllr Razia Daniels has today asked a follow on question :
I have now submitted a supplementary question asking the Portfolio Holder to think again about the Penalty Charge Notices issued to two disabled drivers during the recent Handbridge Summer Festival.
Here is my supplementary question to the Portfolio Holder...
Thank you for your response. Whilst I note your explanation of the guidance provided to organisers and the requirement for parking dispensations, does the Portfolio Holder accept that this situation was not simply about the technical application of parking rules, but about the exercise of reasonable discretion in exceptional circumstances.
This was a Council-approved community event, organised entirely by volunteers who worked hard over many months to deliver a successful festival for residents. Two disabled participants, who had valid Blue Badges clearly displayed in their vehicles, nevertheless received Penalty Charge Notices, causing understandable distress and considerable concern within the community. A degree of flexibility and proportionality could have avoided this outcome without undermining public safety.
I am also aware that other charity stallholders received Penalty Charge Notices because, having unloaded their equipment before the event, they were unable to leave due to the road closures. However, other vehicles associated with the event, including emergency vehicles, the ice cream van, and the fairground rides vehicle, did not receive Penalty Charge Notices. This apparent inconsistency has added to the frustration felt by those affected and has created a perception that enforcement was unfair.
In light of these circumstances, and given the significant contribution made by volunteers to the success of the event, will the Portfolio Holder personally review these cases and consider whether reasonable discretion can now be exercised in relation to these Penalty Charge Notices, particularly where disabled participants were involved and where volunteers were prevented from leaving due to the road closure arrangements?
I look forward to hearing the Portfolio Holder's response and will keep residents updated.
Many Thanks
Best Wishes
Razia
Cllr Razia Daniels
Handbridge Park Ward
Tel no: 07481234411
