26/09/2006

Concert-goers clamped at Odyssey gig

The Odyssey Arena in Belfast has today been heavily criticized after a number of motorists were clamped while watching the Little Britain stage show yesterday evening.

Twenty-nine vehicles in total were clamped and drivers had to pay a fine of £55 to have their cars released.

The Odyssey Trust today commented by saying that those clamped had breached safety regulations and had been parked illegally.

Several of those affected claimed that the car parks were full by the time they arrived at the venue and therefore had no alternative.

Odyssey Trust operations director Brian Hughes said that the road is owned by the Harbour Commissioners and leased to the Odyssey Trust, therefore they have a responsibility for maintaining it.

Speaking earlier to BBC News, he said: "It is our responsibility to ensure that people are safe when using the road, and when cars are parked along double-yellow lines obstructing the flow of pedestrians, that gives us great concern."

Mr Hughes added that signs have been erected around the area to inform drivers when the car parks area is full.

Last night was the second of three nights of the sold-out Little Britain Live show starring David Walliams and Matt Lucas.

(EF/KMcA)


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