Hundreds of Parklife festival-goers were fined for parking breaches this year, but residents believe the penalties are not deterring them. Figures released after the event show 414 fines were issued, with 81 later withdrawn.
Residents say fines are seen as a minor cost
Residents in the area said the event is 'out of control', with some telling the Manchester Evening News that attendees are actively ignoring parking restrictions because the fine, when split between passengers, is worth risking. One resident said drivers told them the charge was low enough that it 'doesn't matter'. Another pair likened the fee to the cost of a beer – £6.30 for a bottle of Corona – when divided five ways.
Fines start at £70, according to Bury council, but reduce to £35 if paid within two weeks. Bury council issued 344 fines, and Manchester City Council issued 70; 78 and three were cancelled respectively.
Residents call for changes to parking and event management
One resident, Michael, who lives at the edge of the park, said there were not enough people monitoring the roads, and suggested moving the festival or closing gates to residential areas. He also raised concerns about antisocial behaviour, saying attendees were 'taking all sorts of funny stuff' and that the park is being overused.
David Cotton, 69, said people share fines among passengers, and Joan Hamilton added that the fine is 'the cost of five pints'. They suggested parking should be set up inside Heaton Park for events. Catherine Cooper, 79, and Anne Bentley, 75, spoke more positively but noted issues like crowds and drug use. Patrick Boyle, 45, said problems occur near his workplace, but believes festival-goers should be more respectful.
Councils respond
Bury council said the scheme was run under Manchester council's direction, with a debrief each year. Manchester council said Engine No.4, the festival's management company, was responsible. Engine No.4 had not responded at the time of publication.
