Update on council fines on Waterloo Street

Oldham Council has revealed how many fines have been paid on a road that turns into a ‘nightmare’ because people flout the rules. The LDRS understands issues are still ongoing despite enforcement action.

Waterloo Street in Oldham cuts through the centre of the suburb of Glodwick but in recent months, it’s been the centre of a debate as cars park repeatedly on double yellow lines, roads are blocked, and the pavements are taken over. Videos posted online have claimed up to 125 cars were parked illegally from 1pm to 8pm at night.

When the LDRS went to visit the road in August, multiple cars could be seen parking on the double yellow lines along the entire length and one man said: “People here do not give a s***’. Cars could also be seen parked on grass verges too damaging a nearby green space.

Rafit Hussain, a local business owner and chairman of local political party the Oldham Group, said the lack of public transport links was making the issue worse and called for more awareness and education. He also said: “The traffic wardens need to do their job. It’s simple. They are not doing a good job with it.”

Stuart Allsopp, an Oldham resident, previously said he had raised the issue with the LDRS because there was a feeling no enforcement was taking place, adding: “It’s dangerous for pedestrians.

“You drive down and then a person jumps out from behind a car. It’s a 20mph zone. Lots of cars don’t go down a 20. They just race down. At night, it’s a race track.”

When the LDRS published its initial story, an Oldham Council spokesperson said: “We understand the frustration and concern that inconsiderate parking can cause to residents and we take this issue seriously.

“Since 1 January we have issued 252 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) on Waterloo Street, including 44 after 5pm.

“Cars parked illegally or without consideration for others can make it harder for pedestrians and other road users to get around safely and put people at risk.

“We will continue to take action against vehicles parked in breach of parking restrictions, including issuing PCNs where needed. Our aim is to keep roads and pavements safe and accessible for everyone.”

However many on social media questioned how many of the fines had actually been paid. As of September 1 2026, an Oldham Council spokesperson said 273 fines have been given out on the road this year. Of these, 161 have been paid so far. This is around 59%.