Firms ruled offside over parking

Businesses that allow Derby County fans to park on their premises on match days may be breaking planning laws, according to the city council.

It follows complaints from the football club about the time it takes supporters to leave Pride Park Stadium after a game, because of congestion.

The council has sent letters to a number of offending companies.

However, fans have been told they can park in their usual place for Saturday's opening game of the season.

I don't think the council are doing it willy-nilly and being killjoys Matt McCann, Derby County

The council's assistant director of regeneration, Richard Williams, said the club had asked the authority whether businesses near the stadium were authorised to offer parking on match days.

"At least some of the businesses did not have permission to sell parking," said Mr Williams.

"The car parks are only to be used by them and their customers during the working day.

"If we don't do this and reduce traffic, there's an accident waiting to happen."

He added that once the season got under way the council would be monitoring how many companies were allowing supporters to use their car parks.

Emergency concerns

Derby County spokesman Matt McCann said the club had called in the council because of safety issues.

"I don't think the council are doing it willy-nilly and being killjoys," he said.

"It was taking some supporters more than an hour to leave the Pride Park complex.

"If there were a major incident the emergency services would have problems getting to the ground."

Parking in the club's official car park costs £6 per match or £120 for a season.