TRADERS have welcomed ticket machines, signs and cameras being removed from a controversial car park in Saltaire, but fear it may become a free-for-all for drivers.

Bradford Council had run the car park at Oastler Road, Saltaire, under lease from 2004, offering 20 minutes’ free parking, but earlier this year the lease was taken over by Birmingham-based Smart Parking.

Since then, many angry drivers had been hit with £100 fines, after not realising Smart Parking required them to log their car’s registration for the free 20-minute stay.

Smart Parking was given a deadline of November 30, to “close” the Oastler Road site by the Council after the land was declared a public highway, and therefore its use as a paid-for car park was unlawful.

The company’s equipment and signs were fully removed from the site on Monday, leaving shoppers free to park there without paying.

Although Smart Parking has not been issuing fines since October, it is thought that many motorists have still been buying tickets.

Ward councillor Kevin Warnes said they would now be fighting for a “full refund” for anyone who was fined by the company.

Traders welcomed Smart Parking taking their equipment down.

Cosimo De Angelis, joint owner of Buonissimo Deli, in Bingley Road, said: “The Council need to control it now.

“People can park there all day now. It could be a free-for-all.

“We have told our customers not to park there after all of this trouble.

“It has affected us in a way but it is hard to put a value on it.

“I’m relieved, but what happens next? The Council need to patrol it like it is a road.”

Joanne Harrington, joint owner of Harrington Brown – Hair and Beauty, which is next door to the car park, said: “I’m really glad they have gone down. It really affected our business. People were getting fines.”

Gauri Patel, joint owner of Saltaire Wines, in Bingley Road, added: “It’s affected us. If people can’t park, they won’t shop. It definitely has affected our footfall.”

Shipley MP Philip Davies had opposed the parking fines. He said: “It is not the final outcome I wanted to see. I am sure people are relieved to see the back of Smart Parking and won’t be in mourning about that.

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“I want to see anyone who was fined getting their money back. What I want is for it to still be used as a car park that benefits shops and is convenient for customers.”

Smart Parking was reported to the British Parking Association, which yesterday confirmed an investigation is ongoing.

Smart Parking and Bradford Council were approached for comment by the Telegraph & Argus but no response was received.