Stockport Council has confirmed that coach drivers are allowed to load and unload passengers on double yellow lines, unless restrictions are in place
The news comes after CBW raised concerns from coach drivers with the authority that safety of school children was at risk of being put in question. Coach drivers on the non-public Facebook group Coach Drivers North and South (CDNS) were left unsure of parking regulations for loading and unloading passengers in Stockport, following an alleged incident on December, 14.
A driver claimed he and colleagues were unloading a party of over 300 primary school children for their trip to the Christmas pantomime, showing at Romiley’s Forum Theatre on Compstall Road. A Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) was allegedly issuing fines to coach drivers for parking on double yellow lines.
A member of CDNS, complained: “The CEO was booking our drivers for loading primary school children on double yellow lines. There is no other safe place anywhere near the theatre. The CEO actually appeared to be waiting for the coaches t
o turn up. It’s safer to drop them on the correct side of the road than force them to cross the highway, which could put them at risk.”
CBW contacted Stockport Council on behalf of the drivers concerned, and raised the issue with them directly. A spokesperson confirmed: “If you are loading and unloading passengers, then you are allowed to park temporarily on double yellow lines, unless there are restrictions in place. As soon as your passengers have all alighted or boarded, you must move on. While we cannot advise on individual cases, we would recommend making a complaint so we can investigate further.”
