Vale of Glam Council defends its approach to parking zones

VALE of Glamorgan council has defended its approach to parking zones after figures revealed high levels of ticketing at seaside towns.

A freedom of information (FOI) made to the Council revealed that the most ticketed street in the county between July 2021 and July 2022 was Windsor Road in Penarth with 3,491 penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued.

This was followed by Evans Street in Barry with 2,290; Glebe Street, Penarth with 1,751; and Redbrink Crescent, Barry, with 996 PCNs.

Redbrink Crescent in particular is a popular street for people visiting Barry Island to park on during the summer months.

The FOI request made to the council by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) also revealed that £34,864 was accumulated in parking fines on Redbrink Crescent between July 2021 and July 2022.

Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services, Cllr Mark Wilson, said:

“The resident parking zones in place at Barry Island are clearly indicated at entrance points to each area, with an additional sign located at the entrance to Redbrink Crescent to help motorists identify the restrictions in place.

“Signs have been implemented following the appropriate legal process, which included a 21-day public consultation. They comply with appropriate legislation and guidance in relation to traffic and highway signage and the restrictions they reflect are fully enforceable.

“These zones do not require road markings to be legally enforced and were specifically designed with minimal signage to avoid clutter and keep costs low.

“They were introduced to deal with the issue of displacement parking, protecting spaces for residents rather than have them used by people visiting nearby attractions.”

The main reasons for parking fines being issued on Redbrink Crescent include cars parking where there is no waiting at any time, cars parking without displaying a valid resident or visitor’s permit and cars being parked across a pedestrian dropped kerb.

Cllr Wilson added:

“Redbrink Crescent is not intended to be used by visitors to Barry Island. The council operates car parks at Harbour Road and Nell’s Point for this purpose, while there are other parking options available at the resort.”

The street that accumulated the most money through parking fines between July 2021 and July 2022 was Windsor Road in Penarth at £118,307.25, according to the council’s response.

The total amount accumulated so far over the same period of time for the whole of the Vale of Glamorgan is £326,953.

There is still money outstanding and these are at various stages of enforcement through High Court-appointed bailiffs.

Cllr Wilson said:

“The resident parking schemes are currently undergoing a 12-month review in line with arrangements set out when they were implemented. The findings of this review will be presented to cabinet later in the year, providing an opportunity for any changes to be made.”

Ward member for Baruc, Cllr Mark Hooper, said:

“I’m hopeful that the 12-month review will give the council sufficient evidence to improve the parking situation on the Island.

“Residents are engaged and have ideas on how improvements could be implemented, and together with the other local ward councillors will ensure those views are heard”