SHROVETIDE parking restrictions are being relaxed this year, as part of an agreement between parking bosses, police and game organisers to avoid the ticketing “rampage” of last year.
Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council, which jointly took over parking enforcement shortly before last year’s Shrovetide game have agreed a plan of action to ensure the game runs smoothly with a minimum disruption to traffic and parking in the town.
The usual closures and restrictions will be in place, with Shaw Croft Car Park and Compton’s parking bays closed after noon on both Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, but some other parts of the town will see restrictions relaxed.
Last year 21 tickets were slapped on windscreens during the game, as players and followers, including goal-scorer Robyn Wright, flouted time restrictions in on-street bays around the town.
But this time parking bosses say they will be relaxing time restrictions “within reason” to allow people to use the bays while they enjoy the Shrovetide action.
A Derbyshire County Council spokesman said: “We are aware that people may have been unhappy over receiving a ticket last year.
“However, it is essential, when large crowds of people are gathered together, that streets and roads are kept safe and clear to enable access for emergency vehicles.
“This means that we will be rigidly enforcing parking restrictions on single and double yellow lines. We will also be suspending the use of limited waiting bays in Compton from noon on both days so no one will be able to park in them.
“However, we will be relaxing the enforcement on the remaining limited wait bays in the town. We would advise visitors to park outside the town centre or in one of the smaller car parks and walk into Ashbourne.” Parking bosses have met with their enforcement contractors to ensure the system is explained to parking wardens, who will still be out and about during the two days and will still ticket carelessly parked cars.
All Ashbourne’s pay and display car parks will be operating as normal — except for Shaw Croft, which will re-open after the game has finished each day. Blue badge holders are also advised to park sensibly and avoid using double yellow lines.