Claim gardai ‘harassing’ Shop Street drivers

SHOP Street traders claim the ‘ harassment’ of motorists by Gardai, preventing them from parking on the east side of the street, will impact on business and they have written to Town Clerk Mr. Des Wixted to complain.

“We the traders in Shop Street wish to strongly protest against the Garda parking signs in the street. Business has been greatly affected since the Garda harrassment of the public for parking in the street,’ they stated.

“Why should we be discriminated against ? There is parking on both sides of West Street with double parking for most of the day which the authorities choose to ignore and which contributes to our problems.”

They suggest two alternative plans to help avoid traffic problems on the street.

No parking on the left side of the street but a parking bay provided immediately outside the Augustinian Church for all deliveries to business premises .

Facilities provided at the lower right hand side of the street for members of the public, for limited periods, to transact business in the street.

They have called for an urgent meeting of the Corporation to discuss these proposals and to arrange parking facilities in the street.

The Town Clerk said on these requests , parking byelaws “are essentially a matter for the Gardai in consultation with the local authority. In the last analysis the Gardai don’t have to accept our recommendations.” However, there was a right of appeal, he added.

A spokesman for the Gardai points out that the parking restrictions were always there. The public would just have to get used to having them implemented.

The only way to keep traffic flowing in Drogheda was to prohibit parking on this congested thoroughfare. Parking could not be allowed on Shop Street, although, in accordance with ;ocal bye-laws, motorists could, still continue to stop for very short periods to drop off or pick up goods.

He drew attention to the fact that, within a matter of weeks traffic wardens would be on the streets of Drogheda and then motorists will really know what parking restrictions are all about!

Ald. Frank Godfrey said that he had every sympathy with the traders of Shop Street and would be calling on the Corporation to discuss their problems at the earliest possible time. ‘ But” he went on “this street is deadly dangerous and I don’t believe there should be any parking allowed on it whatsoever.”

He proposed that double yellow lines be painted along both sides of the street.