Traffic snarl-ups to ease
22 May 1996
WESTPORT CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL PARKING
By DEIRDRE KELLY
WESTPORT Urban Council is to launch a blitz on illegal parking.
The sea-side town is a headache for motorists because of traffic snarl-ups.
All of the major thoroughfares usually experience double and sometimes treble parking leaving locals and visitors frustrated.
Now Council officials are to intensify a campaign to ease traffic flow and prosecute persistent offenders. A new temporary traffic/litter warden has been appointed, pending the filling of the post within the next few months.
It will be the task of the new officer to untangle the parking mess and get traffic flowing again.
County Secretary, Mr. Padraig Hughes, who has responsibility for Westport Urban Council said the crackdown would commence immediately.
He said: "It is in everyone's interest that the traffic by-laws be obeyed. The continuous difficulties experienced by motorists in Westport is a deterrent to tourists and shoppers. "I would appeal to the business community not to park outside their own premises. This move will be of benefit to their customers and others visiting the town."
Mr. Hughes said the by-laws would be enforced.
He added: "This problem has to be tackled once and for all. Once motorists realise they cannot park where they wish it will result in the streets becoming more user-friendly.
"We will be implementing these measures so that there will be an awareness of the necessity to keep parking spaces available for the huge influx of visitors which are expected to Westport in the coming months."
Mr. Hughes said the new warden would also be tackling the litter problem in the town.
He added: "Those found disposing of their rubbish in public will be fined accordingly. I would appeal to everyone in the interests of the Tidy Town campaign to co-operate and use the litter bins which have ben provided."
It will be the task of the warden, he said, to ensure that the footpaths are kept free of show boards and displays of goods.
He appealed to the business community to free up paths to allow free
movement and to allow those with disabilities get round the streets unhindered.
Connaught Telegraph - News - May 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sports - May 1996
