Shropshire Council continues with action against motorists deliberately flouting the law in Shrewsbury’s historic The Square

Shropshire Council’s trading standards and licensing service has recently brought a number of successful prosecutions under the Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council Act 1984, which makes it an offence to use or leave a vehicle in the protected area of The Square in Shrewsbury.

The council responded to complaints received from residents and local businesses that the protected area of The Square was being used as a car park, with evidence received of numerous cars being parked around the Old Market Hall. As a result officers, through a campaign of advice, written warnings and ultimately a series of prosecutions, are seeking to change motorists’ behaviour in this area.

In the latest case, Stephen Davies of Cruckton, Shropshire pleaded guilty to using his vehicle in the protected area of The Square in July 2018. Mr Davies had received warnings not to park his vehicle in the area, but despite this continued to use The Square as a car park. The Court issued Mr Davies a fine and costs totalling over £500.

Grant Tunnadine, investigations team manager for the trading standards and licensing service, said:

“I would like to remind residents, businesses and visitors to The Square about the need to adhere to the controls that are in place. It is a criminal offence to use or leave a vehicle within the protected area of The Square unless it is in accordance with a permission granted by the council or for a permitted purpose in accordance with the applicable Traffic Regulation Order.  This Order only permits loading and unloading to take place within the protected area outside of the hours of 10am to 4pm, with explanatory signs clearly visible to motorists before they enter the protected area. Officers will continue to respond to complaints and monitor the use of the area, and anyone using or leaving their vehicle can expect to be contacted by officers.”

Frances Darling Shropshire Council’s trading standards and licensing operations manager, added:

“The Square is a focal point of Shrewsbury and plays a significant role in attracting tourists to the area  For these reasons, it is rightly controlled as a pedestrianised area. By simplying observing the signs in place, motorists will easily know what is and is not permitted. I strongly encourage motorists to be responsible and to adhere to the restrictions in place.  It is inevitable that with more vehicles being used and left inconsiderately in this area, pedestrian safety is at risk.”

Businesses can seek further advice from the trading standards and licensing service on 0345 678 9000.  If anyone has concerns about the way in which vehicles are being used or left in The Square, information can be given anonymously to the service on 0345 678 9000 and will always be treated in line with the council’s information governance policies.