PARKING restrictions at South Milford train station have been lifted following a campaign by a local group.

Selby And District Rail Users Group (SADRUG) met a representative of Northern Rail and organised a visit to the site after a number of motorists complained over warnings and fines after parking at the station.

This week Northern Rail has agreed to remove restrictions at the station, and also at Church Fenton rail station, for cars parked outside marked bays, cancelling all fines which were issued.

A number of motorists contacted the rail users’ group after they were fined up to £50 for parking at the station, and the company agreed to recommend to the directors to remove the notice that prohibited parking outside marked bays.

Group secretary Reg French said: “The company has now offered its apologies to SADRUG and all those who have been affected, and have also decided to review its policy to recognise local issues and be more customer focussed in the future.

“My appreciation is extended to Drew Haley, stakeholder manager at Northern Rail, for his commonsense approach to the problem which has played a big part in resolving this matter. I now urge all those who have ceased using the stations to return to travel by train. Both stations have seen an increase in footfall which is reflected in figures recently announced for the year ended March 31.”

Mr French said the changes should not stop people parking properly, saying: “Those parking at both stations are asked to make sure they do so responsibly in order to ensure that at all times Network Rail and emergency vehicles have access without impediment.

"At South Milford Station double yellow lines will be placed on the side of the road where residential property is situated but restrictions will not apply on the other side of the approach road.”