'What exactly do the people of Narberth want?' That's the question being posed by the town's Mayor, county councillor Wynne Evans, when it comes to parking enforcement in the town.
Clr. Evans contacted the Observer this week to voice concerns about the ongoing saga of traffic problems caused by the flouting of restrictions in the town.
He explained: "The police were out booking motorists who had parked illegally in High Street on Saturday afternoon, yet I have been receiving verbal abuse about it ever since.
"What exactly do the people of Narberth want?" Clr. Evans asked. "Do they want traffic jams right around town caused by people parking illegally, which causes me great concern because the emergency services get held up when they are on a shout or do they want a free flow of traffic, which will only occur if people obey the restrictions?"
Clr. Evans continued: "The police are accused of not doing their job properly when the restrictions are not enforced, yet when they do, I receive yet more abuse and criticism.
"I fully accept that Saturday was one of the busiest days of the year so far in Narberth, especially with the Big Plant Sale being held, but there were stewards on hand during the day to advise people where the nearest car park was.
"This is an ongoing saga. Traffic and parking problems in Narberth are highlighted month after month and we have held meeting after meeting. We have got to do something because at the moment people just park anywhere and everywhere."
From next April, Clr. Evans said that Pembrokeshire County Council would be taking over responsibility for traffic management in the county and then there would be a traffic warden based in Narberth.
"I just seem to be in a no win situation at the moment," he added, "and I would appreciate some feedback and comments from the people of Narberth as to what exactly they want."
Footnote: When contacted by the Observer, the town's police sergeant, Andy King, said: "When duties permit we always try and provide a visible police foot patrol. This is primarily to engage with town residents and visitors, but secondarily it also deters illegal parking.
"When vehicles offend in front of you, as police officers or traffic wardens we are obliged to act. "Several verbal warnings were given last Saturday which ensured immediate vehicle removal.
However, vehicles parked illegally and left unattended for a deliberate length of time were issued with fixed penalty notices.
"In total there were five fixed penalty tickets issued for parking offences in Narberth last weekend."