DRIVERS in Largs have been reminded that traffic wardens can and do patrol the town until as late as ten o'clock at night.
The warning comes as a member of Largs Community Council (LCC) voiced surprise at seeing a 'parking enforcement officer' on duty in the town at 6.40pm.
The News reported earlier this year, when the new regime of 'decriminalised parking enforcement' took effect across North Ayrshire, that enforcement officers would be on duty between 7.30am and 10pm seven days a week.
But the sight of a warden still came as a surprise to LCC member Robbie Stevenson, who said he had been taken aback to see a warden on duty in Nelson Street on his way to that night's meeting.
North Ayrshire Council's team of 'parking enforcement officers' have been enforcing parking restrictions in Largs and across the local authority since mid-April after the power to penalise rule-breakers was transferred from Police Scotland to the local authority.
Drivers who break any one of the rules, including a maximum of one hour's parking in the centre of Largs, risk being hit with a penalty charge notice (PCN) of £100, though the fine is reduced to £50 if it's paid within 14 days.
Mr Stevenson said he was ‘amazed’ that parking enforcement officers were working till 10pm. He said: “That is unbelievable. I never realised that.”
Other rule breaches which can earn a driver a PCN include double parking, parking on pavements, parking at pedestrian or cycling crossing points, or parking on a verge which lies between a road and a pavement.
Independent councillor Ian Murdoch confirmed: “The traffic enforcement officers are on shift till 10pm."
Council traffic wardens have been enforcing parking regulations across North Ayrshire since mid-May. (Image: Staff)
Community councillor Jamie Black described the parking enforcement as a "cash cow".
Cllr Murdoch pointed out that the 'one hour parking and no return' rule applied to Main Street, Crawford Street, Gallowgate Street, Tron Place, and Aitken Street.
He also reminded the meeting that pavement parking, parking on double yellow lines, and other offences, are "still offences", regardless of the one-hour restriction.
Councillor Tom Marshall (Conservative, North Coast) told LCC's June meeting that he believed the new regime had been a success because it had helped free up parking spaces in the town centre.
Cllr Marshall also said NAC's enforcement officers preferred coming to Largs, because they received "less hassle" than elsewhere.
However, some local businesses and members of the public have complained that the one hour limit in Largs town centre is too short.
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The one hour waiting time is considered suitable for the needs of most drivers visiting Largs town centre.
"For those requiring longer, there are a number of parking options nearby, including short and long stay car parks, and non-time limited on-street parking.
“We would encourage people to visit the council website at www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/parking which contains a list of our available car parks.
“We are encouraged by the feedback we have received since the introduction of parking enforcement and will continue to monitor how the new service is progressing.”
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