A total of 1,356 non-endorsable fixed penalty notices, mainly for parking offences in Tenby, were issued by local police officers and traffic wardens during the summer months. A large proportion of the notices were issued to vehicles and drivers who had disregarded residents' parking orders, for which local people pay a fee to be able to park near their homes, the town's police chief, Inspector Les Clark, revealed "Some 203 fixed penalty notices were also issued in relation to the pedestrianisation scheme to drivers and vehicles who blatantly disregarded the traffic order," he added. "Officers also verbally cautioned a further 107 offenders for minor infringements, exercising the discretion that they are granted in these matters." During the same time-frame (April 1 - August 31), a further 84 notices were issued in Narberth and 72 in Saundersfoot - an increase of 16 over the same period last year, reflecting the town and community councils' concerns over parking issues. "I receive many complaints from local people, often about unauthorised vehicles parking in residents' parking bays," continued Insp. Clark. "This year, I asked the wardens to ensure that they patrolled the bays at least once a day to detect offenders and I believe the high number of notices issued reflects this. "The number of notices issued in relation to the pedestrianisation scheme remained steady from last year, but I note that there is disquiet about the numbers who were verbally warned. "Warnings were issued in the main to drivers who drove onto the High Street, but then immediately turned around realising their mistake before venturing further into town. In my view, this is a very reasonable use of discretion and something that I briefed officers to exercise as often as possible. "I did not receive a single complaint about any of the traffic wardens or officers in relation to this year's scheme," added Insp. Clark, who pointed out that each notice attracts a penalty of £30, none of which goes to the police service.
