Warnings issued for bad parking in Shrewsbury town centre

Traffic wardens have given 67 informal warning notices for bad parking on two evenings in Shrewsbury town centre. 

The council has been receiving complaints about inconsiderate parking in the evening, so has increased patrols to ensure traffic can keep moving. 

Traffic wardens have been out and about in the town centre on two evenings in August (2013), with 67 informal warning notices being issued between 7.30pm and 9pm on 16 August and on 21 August. 

The majority of offenders were parked in restricted parking areas in the town centre or were parked in designated disabled bays without displaying a valid disabled person’s badge. 

Officers will be continuing to patrol the town centre during the coming months, but will now be issuing Penalty Charge Notices which carry a maximum fine of £70 (reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days) rather than informal warnings. 

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for parking enforcement, said:

“We don’t want to have to fine drivers, but it’s important to get the message out that people can’t just park wherever they like in the evening.  Restricted parking areas, such as designated disabled bays, are there for a reason and should not be blocked by people parking inconsiderately.” 

Andrew Bannerman, local Shropshire Councillor for Quarry and Coton Hill, added:

“To ensure that Shrewsbury’s great entertainment and evening ambience are enjoyed by everyone, we must regulate parking.  Careless parkers are not welcome, and there are plenty of spaces in free car parks.  The town centre covers an area no bigger than the Telford Shopping Centre – it is easy and delightful to walk to the OMH, The Hive, pubs, restaurants and bars.”