Illegal parking in Wimborne Square is on the rise (From Bournemouth Echo)

Illegal parking in Wimborne Square is on the rise

2:00pm Friday 3rd August 2012 in North Dorset By Harriet Marsh

DRIVERS parking illegally and flouting traffic regulations is on the rise in Wimborne Square, a councillor says.

Since the revamped Square opened in June with 11 fewer parking spaces, drivers are double parking, mounting the paved area and treating surrounding roads as rat runs.

Wimborne Town Councillor Ann Roberts presented the planning committee with a report calling for better enforcement of traffic rules.

Issues include loading bays being used for parking, drivers entering the Square from West Street and turning into Cook Row from High Street.

And if two buses are in the Square, the second can overhang the Square pavement by around eight feet, it says.

Cllr Roberts said: “It’s a nightmare at the moment.

“People are even going through no entry signs into the Square.

“It’s just people flagrantly disobeying the law.”

High Street, West Borough, East Borough and Priors Walk are also being blocked by illegally parked cars.

Drivers are even mounting the Square’s new performance area to hop out and use the cash point, Cllr Roberts said. Some shops have reported a fall in customers since the number of parking bays fell, she added.

The town council has passed the list on to East Dorset District Council and Dorset County Council for consideration. Councillors want to see the system revised.

They’re also calling for 20mph speed limit markings in King Street and West Street to be re-painted.

Cllr Roberts added: “Whilst work was in progress, 'toast rack' parking worked well in the High Street and the Police felt it was a good option.

“I feel the Town Council must press for a sustained period of intense enforcement and a campaign of publicity to try to address this situation before it worsens.”