Irresponsible parking continues around Shibden as warnings issued by police

The site has grown in popularity for visitors and tourists as the filming location for the BBC’s Gentleman Jack series and the park surrounding Historic Shibden Hal is expected to become busier in the summer months with walkers.

However motorists parking on Shibden Hall Road - where there are double white lines - has resulted in safety concerns, notably putting pedestrians walking along the road in danger from oncoming traffic and blocking access for emergency service vehicles.

Calderdale’s Road Safety Partnership – made up of neighbourhood policing officers and officers from Calderdale Council – launched a two week campaign which started on 15 June, which sees officers engaging with motorists and highlighting the issue to those parking illegally.

From 6 July onwards warning letters will be issued to motorists parked on the road to further highlight the issue.

Inspector Ben Doughty, of the Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We welcome visitors to Calderdale and are pleased to see the area growing in popularity.

“However, concerns have been raised as more and more people travel to Shibden, and the overriding priority for police and our partners is to ensure public safety.

“This isn’t about being ‘ticket happy’ – we are hoping through raising awareness for six weeks we can limit the number of penalty notices we need to issue.

“We would ask drivers to take heed of the notices in place.”

Enforcement action will then start from 27 July and those who continue to park on the road will face a £100 fixed penalty notice and three penalty points.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Councillor Susan Press, said: “Although Shibden Hall and other facilities remain closed, the surrounding park has seen many visitors in recent weeks and we expect this to continue throughout the summer months.

“Whilst we’re happy for people to enjoy our open spaces safely, there have been recent issues with visitors parking their cars illegally – this is something we won’t tolerate.

“Parking on roads with double white lines is not only illegal it’s also dangerous and can block access for emergency vehicles. This exercise looks to remind people of the dangers and encourage people to act sensibly and pay attention to road marking and signage. If problems persist, we will not hesitate to take further enforcement action."

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