Twilight parking wardens hit town
Evening patrols launched after complaints
Council parking wardens are being sent on twilight patrols in a new battle with drivers.
Bosses say the late night- move, which came into force in Prestwick on Monday, follows complaints from residents.
Cars parking in bus stops, road junctions and on double- yellow lines are all top of the hit list.
The Post understands existing wardens will be redeployed as part of the new later hours rota.
A source said: “This will not involve any extra money being spent or extra bodies being employed.
“The council are going to ask the current workforce of wardens to alter their hours.
“It will be deemed redeployment of resources.”
Former SNP councillor John Wallace is among those to have led calls for the clampdown in Prestwick.
The town community councillor said: “This is all about creating a
asafer environment. If people are parking responsibly, they have nothing to worry about here.” Mr Wallace, 53, has faced a wall of online criticism since attempting to drive through the move.
But he said: “In politics you need a thick skin, I am merely trying to do what’s best.
“I don’t accept the argument that this will turn Prestwick into some sort of ghost town.”
Later patrols will also take place in Ayr and Troon with Girvan among others on the agenda.
And just as during daytime hours, fines will be issued to anyone who has failed to park legally.
Sustainability and environment spokesman, Councillor Ian Cochrane, said: “We know from community feedback that there are a number of people who believe that once the evening comes they can park however and wherever they like – such as on double- yellow lines, at junctions, or in bus stops – and that is simply not the case.
“By extending the patrols in our towns into the evenings, we will tackle this irresponsible – and illegal – behaviour, ensure that we keep our streets safe and hazardfree for drivers and pedestrians alike, and keep the traffic moving.”
However, the switch has caught some parts of South Ayrshire Council on the hop.
Opposition Tory leader, Councillor Martin Dowey, said: “To say this has come from nowhere would be an understatement.
“If we are redeploying resources for these night patrols, does that mean parking during the day becomes a free- for- all?
“In which case this move, however well intentioned, totally defeats the purpose.
“I’m not aware of any large scale community complaints on the issue and we have to balance this against keeping our towns open for business.”
This is all about creating a safer environment