'Confusing' parking rules snare visitors in Ludlow

Ludlow's Market Square is often used for parking by evening visitors to the town centre, with Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow College, Ludlow Castle and St Laurence's Church all close by.

But councillors say they are concerned enforcement in the evening has got stricter in recent weeks and may put off visitors to the town. Vivienne Parry, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow South, and Andy Boddington, for Ludlow North, have met the authority's parking officers after vehicles ticketed were in double figures during two recent nights.

Councillor Parry said: "The first night they went out they did 31 people. That was about five weeks ago. Last week they went out again and did 21 people."

Councillor Parry said wardens had gone out in the evenings because of complaints from residents who could not find anywhere to park, while residents who lived by the castle could not get through.

But she added there was confusion as visitors did not seem to know the restrictions. "People can park on the red bit where the market is because that is owned by Ludlow Town Council and it's okay," she said.

"But anyone parking on the cobbles around the Market Square will be booked. People just did not know they couldn't park on the cobbles or up towards the castle in Castle Square."

She said nearby Castle Street car park nearby was free after 6pm and had been "virtually empty" at the time but added some older residents had objected to how dark and cut off from view it could be in the winter.

Val Quinn, a user of the Assembly Rooms, said: "It seems to me wholly unexceptional to park in Market Square, inside the double yellow lines, at night for purposes such as Assembly Rooms access and rehearsals for instance.

"Elderly drivers find this parking area more reassuring than the car park, where there is a steep and dark walk late at night."

Councillor Boddington said: "I think it is wrong fines are being imposed on people who aren't clear what the rules are."

Mal Price, Shropshire Council's cabinet member with responsibility for parking regulation, said there had been "proportionate action" to address parking problems.

He said: "Officers initially issued informal warnings, giving motorists plenty of opportunity to park correctly, before issuing any formal parking contravention notices. The action has led to noticeable improvements, and officers will continue to monitor and issue PCNs until such time as there is clear evidence that the restrictions are being properly adhered to."