End our pavement parking nightmare
LOCALS are being forced off pavements to walk in the middle of the road in Llanberis because of people parking on pavements on both sides of the road.
Fed up Stryd Fawr residents have now called on politicians to put pressure on Gwynedd Council to tackle the worsening problem – before somebody is knocked down or killed.
The village in the foothills of Snowdon is one of Wales’ best-known tourist destinations for its mountains and popular running races and marathons.
While welcoming the economic benefits from tourism, locals are now angry with some visitors parking anywhere they want.
Mums with buggies, children and the elderly have been forced to walk in the middle of the road in the face of traffic.
Local woman Avril Pritchard, who lives on the road, said: “Mums have to walk in the middle of the road because of cars and vans parked on the pavement on either side of the road. There are no restrictions to stop them.”
Her husband Llew said: “One 85-year-old lady who uses two sticks, and mums with buggies, have no other choice but to walk on the road. The problem has got worse over the last two years.”
Newly elected independent councillor Kevin Jones and Plaid Cymru Arfon MP Hywel Williams yesterday joined community councillor Olwen Gwilym and other local residents in urging Gwynedd to sort it out.
Cllr Jones said: “A lot of the people parking here work in the shops.
“Having double-yellow lines would be one idea and residents only parking behind the houses.
“The people of Llanberis are now starting to voice their disapproval of visitors’ parking habits.”
He said that the situation was exacerbated when residents put out their bins on the pavement.
Cllr Jones added that a one-way yy system could be one solution.
Cllr Gwilym said a one-way system had been opposed by businesses in a previous consultation.
Her husband Keith Chadwick said: “Children have to walk on the road because of the double parking.”
Local resident Christine Thomas said: “It’s a really dangerous stretch of road and an accident will happen.”
Mr Williams said: “Apart from local residents needing access; ambulances and fire engines also need to be able to pass. I have had to reverse my car many times here to allow buses to pass.
“The pavements are also in a bad state of repair. What is needed here is discussions about forming a comprehensive parking and traffic plan to include encouraging people and children to walk to school.”
Jack Rattenbury, manager of V12 climbing shop, said: “It’s worse during holiday times.”
Gwynedd Council have been approached to comment by our sister paper the Daily Post.