Motorists facing crackdown over parking in town

DRIVERS parking in a Northumberland town to avoid hefty charges at Newcastle Airport have been warned they will face additional enforcement.

- JAMES ROBINSON

Ponteland, which lies close to the airport, has been beset with “inconsiderate” parking on residential streets and in car parks.

The problem has worsened since Newcastle City Council introduced a “red route” inside the city boundary, making it more difficult for drivers to avoid fines there.

Ponteland North county councillor Richard Dodd described Newcastle Airport as the “villain” over the issue due to what he said were high fees for car parking and drop-offs.

The Conservative councillor said: “You see people walking into Ponteland with their suitcases. They park on streets or in some of the car parks. The new £1.2m cycleway between the airport and Darras Hall has become a glorified car park. It’s a real problem.