Tenby Town Council is calling for the residents parking scheme, introduced in an effort to rationalise the parking problem in the resort, to be totally scrapped. When the issue was discussed at their meeting on Tuesday, members felt that the permit scheme as a whole had proved a failure, and achieved very little in reducing parking problems and even less so in enhancing traffic management throughout the town. As a result, the council is to contact Pembrokeshire County Council, underlining the reasons why they want the scheme abolished. Their main reasons for calling for the scheme to end include the following: • Residents parking bays are frequently empty during the daytime when parking is at a premium in the town, which serves no useful traffic management purpose. • Disputes and complaints arising from alleged misuse of residents parking bays was occupying a disproportionate amount of time for the police and traffic wardens. • The proliferation of the permit scheme had resulted in problems for electricians, plumbers, carers, home delivery services and even the postal service, which could eventually result in increased charges for these services. Councillors also expressed concern over the misuse and abuse of the parking permit system by some residents, stating that some who were not car owners had obtained permits for vehicles owned by relatives or friends who live elsewhere, while other permit holders had attempted to reserve bays by placing obstacles such as traffic cones in spaces, which was not permitted. Said Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane: "Although some might feel the scheme has been a success, the majority of locals are totally opposed to it. "If something proves unworkable, surely its time for a major rethink. Hopefully, Pembrokeshire County Council will take on board our points and, if not totally abolish the scheme, at least look into an evening only permit scheme, which would be far more beneficial to everybody involved and free up the bays throughout the day."
