Why new parking enforcement in Deeside could be good for our dilapidated roads

Tuesday 1st October sees the handover of parking enforcement to Flintshire County Council from North Wales Police

This is what an enforcer could look like

Any vehicle found parked in contravention of on street or off street car park restrictions will be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice by the Civil Parking Enforcement Team.

North Wales Police will no longer be able to issue fines for on street parking contraventions, other than for dangerous parking and obstructions.

The new “powers” mean that drivers will only be allowed to park their cars in marked bays, and those areas designated by the council specifically for parking.

Councillor Bernie Attridge, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

“The new system aims to improve road safety, traffic flow and the environment, for the benefit of drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities, as well as contributing to the reliability of public transport.“It intends to reduce the misuse of disabled parking bays and delays to emergency vehicles. We also hope it will help tackle problem parking around schools and in residential areas.”

Its hoped the measures will help ease the  traffic issues around Shotton, which is often gridlocked

Whilst its fairly certain we will see significantly more enforcement officers waiting to pounce, it could be great news for  wear and tear of your car, as the council have said:

“All revenue from on street penalty charges will be used by the Council to fund the enforcement duties and administration of the scheme and any surplus income generated will fund local parking, highway and transport improvements“

Some roads in Deeside are in a “shocking state” according to many residents, and any investment would be a welcome one.

One ex road digger took us to a spot in Shotton that made him particularity angry, he said:

“This makes me really angry”

Adding:

“It would never have been left like this in my day”

A recently repaired road, note the shoddy workmanship.

The Penalty Charge Notice will be £50 or £70 depending on the seriousness of the contravention.

A discount of 50 per cent will apply if the penalty is paid within 14 days, reducing the charge to £25 or £35.

Designated parking places in Deeside

And here are some “Top tips” from the council on how to avoid a fine:

• Don’t park where yellow lines, waiting or loading restrictions are in force.
• Always read the road signs, they tell you what restrictions apply.
• Don’t park on zig zag lines.
• Only park in loading areas if you are loading/unloading goods.
• Only park in bays reserved for disabled if you are entitled to do so.
• Make sure you park in a designated bay in a car park and comply with the car park regulations.