Abergele council call for hared measures on illegal parking

Mar 11 2010 by Ian Hughes, North Wales Weekly News

POLICE are being too soft on illegal parkers, according to Abergele Town Council.

Disgruntled councillors say authorities should be more heavy handed when dealing with parking issues outside three of the town’s schools.

A recent police liaison meeting stated that although parents commented traffic had been moving freely, the police did not have the resources to be there at all times.

“It’s absolutely disgusting,” claimed Cllr Brian Roberts.

“I can’t understand why the community beat manager is being put on nights when they are needed in other areas.”

“I don’t know how long Sgt Graham Brown has been here but if he were to ask questions instead of making statements then it might save them some time and help find a solution to this problem.”

The issue concerns three primary schools on Ffordd y Morfa in Abergele – Ysgolion Glan Morfa, Glan Gele and St Elfod.

It is expected that a proposed pupil intake increase will put further stresses on the already overflowing traffic.

On a recent visit to the busy road, Sgt Brown noted the main issues of concern were double parking and vehicles being left unattended.

He put forward two suggestions as possible solutions.

The first would be a barrier and fob system to certain areas of the school grounds.

The second was the removal of some parking spaces and the introduction of a roundabout.

Cllr Gwyneth Davies claims the first of these is unworkable.

“To issue fobs to all visitors would be too much of a job. Parking should be banned outright and those who break restrictions should be booked straight away.”

Headmaster Bryn Charles noted the schools’ Park and Stride scheme: “Parents are welcome to use the nearby church car park and walk the short distance to the school.”