Crackdown on illegal parking in Forres
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DRIVERS who ignore double yellow lines and disabled parking signs around Forres will now be given immediate fixed penalties.
Grampian Police and Moray Traffic Wardens say that simply educating road users has not been enough to discourage a minority from regularly breaking the law.
"Over the past couple of weeks several people have been issued with tickets after parking on the yellow lines or zig-zags on the High Street," said local police inspector, Paul McCruden.
"Most of these have been at the Castlehill Road junction. Forres is well served with free parking areas near the town centre, so it is just sheer laziness which is at the root of the issue.
"Their laziness will prove expensive in the run up to Christmas because they will have a fine to pay."
Councillors highlighted the issue at community council meetings over the last few months after complaints from local businesses and annoyed members of the public.
"Drivers are habitually parking in front of the High Street Kebab shop near the exit from Castlehill Road," said Independent councillor, George Alexander. "I hope that the threat of immediate penalties encourage drivers to walk a bit before their meal."
The fixed penalty available to police and traffic wardens for parking offences is £30.
Community councillor Eleanor Hayward explained that designated disabled spaces on Caroline Street and North Road were consistently being taken by cars without blue badges.
"These spaces are not exclusive to anyone who lives in the area - they are exclusive for use by the disabled," she said.
"It is inconsiderate and selfish, causing hardship to those less fortunate in the community."
The police and councillors hope that any member of the public who sees parking offences being committed will inform the relevant authorities.
Contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5700. See this week’s Gazette for the full story.
