St Ives unenforced parking mystery

WE are mystified by the number of cars parked illegally in St Ives town centre on a daily basis, especially in The Broadway and The Waits, where quite a few cars are parked for the entire working day.

Regulations allow one hour's parking and no return within two hours, so how do they get away with it? These energy-challenged scrooges are occupying spaces that could be used by shoppers and others visiting local businesses and services.

Van drivers seem to think they can park where they like for as long as they like (including on double yellow lines), even when shopping, visiting a barber or staying overnight. Just why do some car and van drivers think parking regulations do not apply to them? They should pay to use the public car parks or find one of the few remaining unrestricted parking areas.

Unfortunately, the regulations are not enforced. Police Community Support Officers rarely patrol the town but, on the odd occasion that one is around, they seem to do nothing about the problem. On the very rare occasion you actually see a policeman, they also ignore it. Why?

On a similar issue, Huntingdonshire District Council employs street rangers who, according to the council's website: "Help improve the quality of life and act as the eyes and ears of the community. The street rangers act as a visible point of contact, provide a sense of security and help to keep the streets, car parks and open spaces clean, tidy and well maintained.

The street rangers will provide a reassuring uniformed presence on local streets and in public spaces, and part of their role is to address neighbourhood nuisances such as graffiti, litter and vandalism. The street rangers will work in partnership with other departments and agencies to deliver a co-ordinated and effective service. Street rangers will also be involved in monitoring the use of council car parks and issuing excess charge notices where appropriate".

TOM and MAUREEN O'CONNELL

The Whistlers

St Ives