A BUSINESS owner is calling for the council to install more loading bays after he has received five parking tickets in less than a year.

Quadeer Ahmed from Blackburn runs a food manufacturing company and makes deliveries to small businesses all around the country.

He said he only struggles to park in Blackburn, where marked bays are often filled with normal parked vehicles. As a result, he has to park behind the car in the loading bay resulting in him receiving a parking ticket.

Mr Ahmed was given his most recent ticket last Friday whilst he was parked outside Barclays Bank on Darwen Street.

He said: “The loading bays are always occupied and I have deliveries to make, when I park behind the bay I get a ticket.

“I’m trying to run a business, it’s not my fault the council can’t provide enough loading bays.

“It’s specific to Blackburn as well, I go all over to make deliveries and don’t have this problem anywhere else.”

A Council spokesman said: “There are 30 designated loading bays within Blackburn town centre.

“This does not include the areas within the town centre pedestrian zone that allow loading and unloading from 4pm – 10am.

“Any loading outside of these times and in restricted areas, or parking which blocks off part of the road is not permitted and will result in a fixed penalty notice.

“Any queries on loading areas and bays can be directed to the Traffic Team. More information can be found on blackburn.gov.uk.”

Mr Ahmed said he will not pay the fine and will be appealing the most recent ticket.

He said: “At the end of the day I run a business, and I know we have to park legally but there just aren’t enough loading bays.

“They council say they want to support small businesses, but I feel like they’re against me.

“The have to be a bit more understanding, they know it only takes 10 minutes to unload a delivery.

“People need to be aware of this issue, that’s why I’m going to take it to the council.”