Star News
Saints rugby fans warned about parking charges
5:13pm Tuesday 7th February 2012
SAINTS fans driving to Langtree Park on Friday are being advised there will be charges at some town centre car parks – after St Helens Council announced changes to its policy just days before the big kick off.
Following trial events at the £30m stadium it had been expected supporters would be able to use the local authority managed car parks for free.
However, this week St Helens Council confirmed that from 6pm on match days, supporters will have to pay £1 to park on Chalon Way, Tontine multi-storey and on the former Tesco site.
News of the charges sparked a mixed reaction among supporters, who aired their views on social media websites.
It is still possible to park on Chalon Way for free after 3pm, but motorists are being warned that it will be manned after 6pm and a £1 fee will be charged.
St Mary’s car park shuts at 6.30pm and the barriers are automatically raised at Birchley Street at 3pm.
A council spokesperson said that the charges will cover the costs of extra staffing and lighting.
Opinion seemed split among fans, with some unhappy by the apparent council u-turn the week before the first competitive match at the new stadium.
Others, however, argued, the £1 charge is reasonable when compared to parking fees near other sports stadia.
She added that it will create 1,384 parking spaces for fans.