A new traffic measure has been introduced to support ‘potential police enforcement’ as a persistent issue with illegal parking in the town centre continues.
A road marking reading ‘No Entry’ has been painted on Trowbridge’s Fore Street following persistent concerns in the town council that motorists are flouting existing signage.
Wiltshire Council says the measure has been implemented in order to “support any potential police enforcement”, and help to “address ongoing issues in the pedestrianised area”.
On the weekend of May 30 and May 31, a driver who had parked his vehicle on Fore Street was approached by a reporter for this paper and asked why he has done so, to which he replied by apologising and saying he did not know it was a pedestrian area.
Explaining the reason for the new measure, Cllr Ian Thorn, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “The ‘No Entry’ marking has been added following concerns raised by Trowbridge Town Council about drivers entering Fore Street despite the existing upright signage.
“It is intended to reinforce the restrictions already in place, provide a clearer and more visible message to motorists, and support any potential Police enforcement, helping to address ongoing issues in the pedestrianised area.”
The use of the pedestrianised area of Fore Street for parking has been a long-running issue for the town centre.
As reported by this paper in February last year, leader of Trowbridge Town Council, Cllr Stewart Palmen, said that illegal parking was still a big issue facing the town centre, and that while efforts are being made to tackle it, more needed to be done.
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Later in the year, town councillor Stephen Cooper renewed his calls for action to be taken against drivers parking illegally in other parts of the town centre after a lorry parked on the pavement on Fore Street, near Parade House.
As a potential solution to the issue, Cllr Cooper said: “I don’t know what the solution is. Can Wiltshire not put in some kind of ANPR enforcement cameras?”
At that time, Cllr Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways and street scene said: “All areas of Trowbridge are inspected regularly as part of our routine patrols.
“We are aware of the parking issues in Castle Street, Fore Street and on Wicker Hill and continue to issue Penalty Charge Notices when necessary.
“The Department for Transport has issued statutory guidance on the requirements that a local authority must meet in respect to the use of ANPR cameras.
“Currently, the council would not be permitted to install ANPR cameras in these areas.”
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