Delivery drivers in turmoil as lack of parking in Blackpool town centre results in huge delays

Drivers for Just Eat, Deliveroo, and other food delivery services say traffic rules in Blackpool town centre make it almost impossible to carry out orders in a timely manner, as they are forbidden from parking in most places.

They have been instructed by traffic wardens to park on Clifton Street to pick up from McDonald's, Greggs, KFC, Starbucks and other fast food restaurants, meaning they must make a round trip of up to 20 minutes on foot to retrieve their orders and bring them back to their cars. Not only this, they say, but parking spaces on Clifton Street are limited and have a 'no return within one hour' policy, making it even more difficult for drivers to carry out multiple deliveries per day.

However, Blackpool Council says the restrictions are necessary. A spokesman said: "Our parking enforcement officers are providing guidance and enforcement where necessary to ensure the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. This includes reminding all drivers to avoid parking dangerously in areas such as those with double-yellow lines and kerb bars, as well as in spaces which may cause obstruction for public transport vehicles."

Kevin Bambury, a Blackpool delivery driver who works for Just Eat and Deliveroo, said: "It's not going to be long before customers are ringing up complaining that their food is cold, but there's not a lot we can do.

"Greggs alone must do 50 to 60 orders each day. It's just not viable if Clifton Street is the only place we can park. The loading bay is only about three cars wide and we're told to drive around the town centre until a bay becomes available. In the meantime, the food is going cold. This could potentially put people out of work if it continues."

Delivery drivers run the risk of getting a parking fine of up to £70 if they park in no-go zones such as Adelphi Street or opposite McDonalds on Bank Hey Street. Traffic wardens have been accused by the drivers of intentionally targeting delivery drivers by taking down their car registration numbers and keeping an eye out for them around town.

"Restaurants are struggling enough as it is and now less drivers are going to the restaurants because they don't want to risk getting a parking ticket. If you get a parking ticket, that's a day's wages down the drain," the driver said.

"I feel like the council needs to do something, even if it's something like a badge system that we have to pay for for 12 months so we can park. But right now they are making our jobs extremely difficult. We feel like we are being targeted and victimised by Blackpool Council."

Michael Berry, who also works for Just Eat, said: "Some of the people we deliver to can't walk, or they live in rest homes, and we have to carry their shopping to them. It affects the people we are helping.

"People are refusing jobs because they don't want to risk getting a parking ticket.Just Eat charges restaurants 30 per cent for each delivery, so if they can't get a driver they will cancel their Just Eat contracts and we'll be out of a job."

Another delivery driver, Marwan Alneif, said "It's affecting us financially. With the pandemic going on the level of work has been affected, we're trying to make a living so when you get a parking ticket.

"We're classed as key workers because we are feeding people. It's an important job and we need to see some support from the council. We go the extra mile to make people happy. We prefer to work, but we need support."

BLACKPOOL COUNCIL SAID...

"We are aware of this issue and are working with delivery drivers to advise of the safest, most appropriate and convenient loading bays available for use.

"The council recognises the importance of ensuring that delivery drivers are able to use loading bays to deliver essential goods. A number of loading bays exist in proximity to each pickup point and we have made drivers aware of these, as well as the maximum time limits for each space available.This includes spaces on Clifton Street, which currently have increased availability as a result of the current lockdown.

"Our parking enforcement officers are providing guidance and enforcement where necessary to ensure the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. This includes reminding all drivers to avoid parking dangerously in areas such as those with double-yellow lines and kerb bars, as well as in spaces which may cause obstruction for public transport vehicles.

"In addition, drivers are reminded not to enter Controlled Pedestrian Zones outside unrestricted hours, such as that on Church Street, as this can pose a danger to those travelling on foot and often results in drivers having to perform dangerous manoeuvres including three-point turns.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and advise on the safest places for people to park."