Parking restrictions could be lifted at major events so cars can park without being fined, a councillor has claimed.

John Brown, Harwich’s former mayor, has met with two parking services officers to discuss parking around Harwich for annual events.

Mr Brown, who is a Harwich town councillor, asked for

the meeting after parking enforcement officers slapped tickets on cars parked on Harwich Quay during the Harwich Motorcycle Run last month.

He said the action took the shine off what was a charity event to raise money for the air ambulance.

Mr Brown wrote to North Essex Parking Partnership calling for it to consider refunding about 20 motorists who received parking fines.

His letter said cars have always parked around the quay for the town’s annual events like the Motorcycle Run, Sea Shanty Festival and New Year’s Eve Fireworks.

It also said cars parked on the road were not causing problems and there were no yellow lines

Following the meeting Mr Brown said he was informed by the officers the problem with parking tickets shouldn’t arise again with future events in Harwich.

Mr Brown said: “The meeting was both enlightening and constructive.

“For future events, providing that notice was given by the authorities or the event organisers, parking restrictions could be lifted to save any more confusions like those experienced at the Motorcycle Run event in September.

“The fireworks are the next big event and parking services are removing the restrictions as long as it won’t cause a problem.”

He said he was also told that anyone who received a penalty charge notice is entitled to appeal it.

North Essex Parking

Partnership spokesman said: “We would be pleased to

liaise and work with the organisers about their traffic management and parking requirements for any future events.”

For information on parking visit parkingpartnership.org.