A COUNCILLOR has said that motorists are being put off using the town centre by parking and signage issues.

Cllr Anthony Ernest who represents the Plymouth ward highlighted poor roadside marking, incomprehensible signage and illogical layouts of restricted and limited parking zones as barriers to potential visitors to the town.

As part of our Your High Street: Use It or Lose It series, this week's piece focuses on the accessibility of the town centre for people using their cars.

The campaign aims to promote the use of the high street and highlight issues and concerns which affects people's use of local shops.

Cllr Ernest said he has been told by motorists about issues relating to signage, markings and parking for over two years and says that some of the areas where people have been fined are not marked clearly enough saying that cars can't be parked there.

The Vale council say enforcement officers have a strong presence in Penarth town centre because they understand how frustrating inconsiderate and dangerous parking is for residents and businesses.

Cllr Ernest said: "At a time when business rates are rising for many shopkeepers, and families are feeling the pinch financially, Penarth needs to extend a warm welcome to all who wish to enjoy the wide range of shops in the town centre, rather than sending them packing with a fine and a determination not to visit Penarth again for some time," said Cllr Ernest.

"Unfortunately the Vale seems oblivious to this threat to its overall town centre strategy, and hasn't corrected the position, despite calls to improve highway markings and simplify the no waiting and limited waiting zones, which are causing the problems in Penarth."

He said this should be a priority for the council and he hopes to move the matter forward to ensure that Penarthians and visitors can park and enjoy shopping in the town's "delightful" range of shops.

Emma Reed, head of visible services and transport for the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: "The council’s civil enforcement officers have a strong presence in Penarth town centre because we understand how frustrating inconsiderate and dangerous parking is for residents and businesses.

"Enforcement officers focus on urban areas, which tend to have most issues in terms of parking compliance.

"In recent years Penarth has received significant investment to improve its traffic and parking situation, in particular a one-way system was created along Arcot and Glebe Street, leading to more parking provision in this area.

"The council does not benefit significantly from revenue gained from car parking fines.

"In fact, the latest figures, for the last financial year, show a small surplus which was put towards paying back some of the initial capital investment in setting up the car parking enforcement scheme.

"Officers do all they can to ensure road markings and signs make it clear which parking restrictions apply in a particular area.

"But if anyone feels this is not the case, there is an appeals process allowing penalties to be overturned if adequate supporting evidence is provided.

"In a proactive attempt to prevent the problem of illegal parking, the council has recently launched our “Park Tidy!” campaign.

"This aims to highlight the dangers of inappropriate parking, deter people from leaving their cars in an unacceptable place and encourage them to act in a more responsible and considerate manner.

"There are guidelines on the council website explaining what is and is not acceptable when it comes to parking in the Vale and this information has been publicised through our social media channels."