NEW WAITING restrictions in Colwyn Bay have prompted a surge in parking on quiet streets.
Formerly free parking areas on roads including Queens Drive have been converted to 60 minute parking zones, forcing workers in the town to find alternative places to park.
According to Traffic Engineer, Paul Evans, the move comes as a result of an “extensive review of parking in Colwyn Bay” which was requested by business, members of the public and councillor.
He said: “Various measures were proposed for locations throughout the town, including Queens Drive. Consultation on these proposals took place in February 2009. The new regulations came into effect last month.”
Bay of Colwyn Town Councillor, William Bagnall, anticipated packed residential streets in the town on implementation of the restrictions.
He said: “When they actually proposed it around Queens Park I did make a comment we'd be parking on the Old Highway before long because of the restrictions. I could see [once] put in place it would be driving traffic towards the east.
“Saying that, the actual price of a ticket in the long-stay carpark on Lansdowne Road is under a pound a day if you have a season ticket. As that carpark is not fully utilised, if people are working in Colwyn Bay there is that.
“I appreciate a lot of people are not on high incomes but it is not that dear.
“The restrictions are not just around Queens Drive, they are also in other areas. People should appreciate Colwyn Bay and the restrictions.”
With the limited waiting zones forcing long-stay motorists to travel further up town to find a free space, Debbie McCluskey of Rydal Penrhos School urged motorists to be “extra careful” while driving on the narrow streets.
She said: "The students start quite early anyway, but they do walk down to St John's chapel together and walk back. Please could motorists keep an eye on them."
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Do you work in Colwyn Bay and have you been affected by the parking restriction changes? Or are you a local resident who has seen your road filled with cars? Have your say by commenting below.