It’s dangerous and inconsiderate, they deserved their fines
IT was a Bank Holiday bonanza for parking wardens in Snowdonia as dozens of cars parked on the A498 were fined.
A video taken by Gareth Roberts on Saturday shows dozens of cars with a yellow envelope fixed to their windscreens for illegally parking.
In the past motorists have claimed signage in the area, popular with walkers, is unclear.
Last year, Gwynedd Council said any ticket which has been unfairly issued can be appealed but they added: “As a council, we encourage motorists to use the car parks at Penypass and Llanberis, and to use the Sherpa bus services to get around the National Park.
“Council Civil Enforcement Officers routinely patrol parking flashpoints to ensure that vehicles are parked safely and legally. Parking tickets are only issued to drivers who ignore the law.” There has been mixed reaction from readers. Many argue that the parking wardens are right, with others questioning whether tourists will come back to the region.
Gerallt Davies said: “I live and work in the area and I for one am sick and tired of the poor parking decisions on any sunny weekend! Park elsewhere and get the bus.”
James Ellis Lambert wrote: “Come enjoy our Welsh countryside where we don’t give you enough parking spaces and then fine you for your visit.”
Jessica Louise Davies added: “...if someone was waiting for an ambulance and couldn’t get through because of the way the cars are parked they would be the first to complain! Park in a car park... simple!”
Wayne Roberts agreed: “I was up that way today (Sunday) on the way to Porthmadog and there were many cars parked illegally and very inconsiderately on the roadside. They all deserve to get tickets it’s very dangerous and no two cars could pass one another safely in certain places.”
Jacqueline Bisofsky said: “Tourists come on bank holidays and other times, spend loads of money, then, bingo, get a parking fine. Get real. Wales make parking facilities not just for tourists but for you guys as well. We want to come and you need us to come.”
Gareth Dwyer wrote: “Most of them see the £80 as a bargain – as, if you split it four ways, it is still cheaper than parking in a city and you get a better view. A clearway is a clearway it’s in the Highway Code.”
Mike Blake agreed: “That photo was taken below P-Y-G Hotel and is clearly marked as a clearway. I have witnessed cars parking there, walkers going up the mountains with their butties, coming back and driving off after
spending nothing locally.”
Richard Greenwood added: “The signage is quite clear, if you choose to park in a clearway area, expect a parking penalty.”
Noel Thomas said: “Park and ride is the only answer, as long as it’s run properly..”
James Joseph Jones wrote: “Car parks are full and signage is inadequate. The amount of money they make from fines should keep TICs and toilets open, and provide decent hard copy bus timetables or pay for more car parking facilities and better signage!”
Rich Jones said: “If the revenue is going back into the Welsh economy, yes! Keep slapping tickets on those screens.”
Gerrie Hughes wrote: “Absolute disgrace they can’t make some proper parking facilities along that route, they want tourists – make room for them.”
Colin Barlow simply said: “Park illegally don’t moan if you get a ticket.”
Fenix commented: “Just looking at where they’ve parked they should realise that’s not acceptable or safe. There are plenty of other places to go to and park. Having a car doesn’t give you the right to ditch it anywhere. Nice work on the fines. It’s the only way they’ll learn.”
Kate Potter added: “There is absolutely no way all the people in those parked cars would be catered for by the Sherpa buses that operate. They can predict busy days and should put on extra buses. And clear signage. But bus operators don’t work like that.”
Shirley Fermor wrote: “There is a very good park and ride bus service called Snowdon Sherpa for £1.50 you can do several journeys hoping on and off where you choose.”
Alison Cotter Edwards said: “I parked in Llanberis in a car park and the prices are really OTT was not impressed and Caernarfon is as bad, really over priced. Will not be stopping in these places again.”