Added: 08/04/2008

Category: Safer Neighbourhood Team

Drivers in Bury St Edmunds are continuing to flout parking regulations in the town centre, despite a campaign of education and enforcement by the Bury Central Safer Neighbourhood Team.

After receiving numerous complaints of illegal parking from both the public and local councillors, parking was adopted as a priority for the team in January, and a PCSO was assigned to specifically deal with the issue.

Bury Central Safer Neighbourhood Team Sergeant Steve Henthorn says, “Between 23rd January and 25th March, 390 parking tickets were issued by my team in the town centre – and for me that’s 390 too many. We actually gave out advice to at least twice that number of drivers. In most cases when vehicles were found to be illegally parked, the drivers were given the chance to return and be told about the problem they were causing, rather than receiving a ticket.

“It is disappointing that despite my team telling people they are breaking the law and causing an obstruction, we are continuing to find vehicles parked illegally. Drivers need to consider that by parking on a pavement, a double yellow line or a street corner, they are hindering the flow of traffic through the town and putting pedestrians and other road users at risk.

“One particular problem is drivers parking in loading bays. It means the large delivery lorries and vans have to stop in the street, blocking the flow of traffic and making crossing difficult for pedestrians. The couriers may also have to repeatedly cross the road with their often bulky deliveries, so they can also be put in unnecessary danger.

“Whilst the majority of drivers do park responsibly, the minority continue to flout the parking regulations. Parking in the town centre will remain a priority for my team and we will continue to advise drivers of the law and enforce it.”

The current fine for parking illegally is £30.