Parking attendants were also out in force in the St Patrick’s Day celebrations
A LOCAL councillor has hit out after traffic wardens and parking charges made an appearance on St Patrick’s Day in Enniskillen.
Sinn Fein Councillor Barry Doherty drew comparison with the ‘Twelfth’ and July 13, where neither charges nor tickets are applied, and said that many had ‘made the presumption’ that parking charges would be set aside for the bank holiday.
“I have been contacted by a number of extremely frustrated motorists, who came to Enniskillen to participate in the St Patrick’s Day festivities, some of who had made the sensible decision to leave their car overnight instead of driving under the influence of alcohol,” explained Cllr Doherty.
“Many had made the presumption that St Patrick’s Day would have been a day on which parking charges would have been set aside.
“I know that last year, one of those ticketed was actually an organiser of the parade, which brought thousands of people into the town.
“Those behind the organising of the parade and associate events are a small group of committed volunteers, who stepped up and put in place events when no one else would.”
He added: “I am alarmed that both the 12th and 13th July are none charging days for off-street parking and the traffic attendants do not work on either of those days, but yet they are as active and zealous as ever on St Patrick’s Day.”
Department for Regional Development spokesperson said in response: “Legislation specifies when parking enforcement takes place across Northern Ireland.
“Parking enforcement periods and other regulations are always clearly displayed and drivers have a responsibility to park in accordance with these.
“Traffic attendants work to keep traffic flowing and make a significant contribution to roads safety for everyone, including drivers.
“The department recognises the hard work of event organisers and are always available to discuss crucial planning issues such as parking and traffic management.
“Any driver who considers they have been issued with a penalty charge notice incorrectly has the right to challenge it with the department.”
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