Wardens on trial

Wardens on trial

6 February 2013 - by BY DAVID TELFORD

SOUTH Down MP Margaret Ritchie has stepped into the row concerning over-zealous traffic wardens in Downpatrick.

She is to meet with senior officials from the Department of Regional Development tomorrow to discuss parking enforcement across the town.

News of the meeting comes after two Ulsterbuses parked outside Down High School were ticketed last week and a warning from the head of Downpatrick Chamber of Commerce that the wardens are driving shoppers out of the town.

Miss Ritchie said she’s been concerned on a number of occasions about the way in which parking penalties are being enforced and applied in Downpatrick.

She declared: “I have received further reports of over zealous parking enforcement, which by its nature is causing a great deal of frustration within the business, public and voluntary sectors and indeed within the wider community.

“Given this growing trend of unacceptable parking enforcement I have arranged to meet with Department of Regional Development officials to discuss this very serious matter.”

Miss Ritchie said the current situation cannot be allowed to continue, making it clear that a resolution and a way forward must be found that will allow both the community and traders to go about their everyday businesses, respecting parking restrictions, but not being harassed by them.

Chamber of Commerce President, Mrs. Tracey Quail, said those in the business community want the wardens to display a little more common sense.

She said the attitude of the wardens is prompting many people to shop elsewhere, which is the last thing traders need in the current economic climate.

“The attitude of the wardens is driving shoppers out of Downpatrick; there is no doubt about that. The wardens don’t show any flexibility whatsoever and there is increasing frustration across the business community about the impact they are having on trade,” said Tracey.

The Chamber president added: “Shoppers who are parking in loading bays to load heavy items into their cars are being issued with tickets, even though wardens can clearly see what they are doing. No one is asking for special treatment, but a little common sense wouldn’t go amiss.”

Downpatrick councillor Cadogan Enright is also concerned about the impact traffic wardens are having on the town and said slapping parking tickets on school buses “marks a new low.”

He added: “It’s clear buses have to park outside Down High School where they are waiting for around 15 minutes to collect students to take them home. Buses have been parking here for years and leave the bus station early so they don’t get caught in traffic in Market Street.

“What’s happening is infuriating for me as an elected representative and has upset Translink staff as well. Clearly this situation needs to be resolved.”