Traffic warden tip-offs scupper Laois parking laws

A PARKING system aimed at preventing traffic congestion in Mountrath has collapsed, because everyone knows when a traffic warden will visit the town.

The two-hour parking limit in the Market Square area, which was introduced four years ago, is widely ignored according to local councillors.

One said that parking in the town has become “a free for all” again, while another said a traffic warden would have to be “a magician” to keep on top of illegal parking.

Cllr James Kelly told a council meeting that people have returned to their old ways in Mountrath, as everyone knows what day and time one of the council’s two traffic wardens will arrive.

“The new parking bye-laws have not had an effect. They know when the traffic warden will be there and they have gone back to parking in the town all day,” Cllr Kelly told the April meeting of Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District.

Changes to the parking bye-laws in 2021 introduced a two-hour parking limit in the town centre, with fines issued if drivers were caught staying longer.

Cllr Kelly said: “Vehicles are being parked in the town for the full day again, with people going to work in Dublin or whatever. There is no deterrent now.” 

The Independent councillor made his comments after proposing that Laois County Council provide bollards and markings on the footpath and road at the entrance to Wallis Street in Mountrath, to address the issue of illegal parking.

Cllr Kelly said that the junction of Wallis Street and Shannon Street is a particular problem, with a new development in Wallis Street and the busy library and credit union. He said: “It has turned into a free for all there.” 

Cllr Conor Bergin agreed and said: “All along Shannon Street is very congested and people are taking parking spaces meant for residents. Anything done to alleviate this would be very welcome, all the way from Shannon Street to the link road.” 

Cllr Ollie Clooney outlined a similar problem in Durrow, saying that a traffic warden would need to be “a magician” to keep up with it but fines must be issued, because “you need to have a stick as well”.

He said: “When the signs went up first in Durrow, it was a great success but now it has gone back to the way it was.” 

 Cllr John King from Rathdowney felt the cost of fuel had led to more car-pooling and cars being left in local towns all day. He said: “If they’re fined, they might not do it a second time.” 

In reply to Cllr Kelly’s proposal, senior engineer Rory O’Callaghan said the council’s area office would address the parking issue at the Wallis Street junction with Shannon Street.