Warning about St James' parking

Newcastle play Bayern Munich on Tuesday, 5 August

Football fans are being asked to consider local residents when parking their cars ahead of games at St James' Park in the forthcoming season.

Ahead of Tuesday's pre-season friendly with Bayern Munich, Northumbria Police is warning supporters to think before they park in Newcastle.

Supporters are asked to use public transport or park and ride facilities to get to the city centre, rather then their cars.

Officers have received numerous complaints from people living and working in the brewery area, New Mills Estate, Richardson Road and Spital Tongues, particularly Hunters Place and Dunns Terrace.

Driveways and entrances have been obstructed and police and traffic wardens are increasing patrols in the area during matches, with fixed penalty tickets issued.

Public transport

Chief Inspector Kevin Wellden of Newcastle West area command said: "We are asking people to have some consideration when parking.

"We don't want to spoil their enjoyment of the football games, but we want them to think of others."

"Ideally people should come to the games by public transport, either leaving their cars at home or using a park and ride facility."

Motorists are reminded to always leave their cars secure, making sure all doors are locked and an alarm used if the car has one.

They should also remove all valuables from on show, securing them in the boot or leaving them at home, and to remove detachable stereo fronts.