Torfaen council spends £68k on no parking signs at bus stops

A council has defended spending £68,000 on no parking signs at bus stops despite it being stated in the highway code.

Torfaen Borough Council has put the signs on posts at bus stops across the borough.

It is ahead of a move which will see a camera-equipped car out on patrol to capture parking violations on camera and issue fines to offenders later this year.

Councillor Mandy Owen said a review found a “significant number” of bus stops required upgrading before enforcement is undertaken.

The issue was raised at the council’s July meeting when resident Lesley Gwilym submitted a public question.

It read: “What was the point of installing these signs when these bus stops are clearly marked in yellow on the road surface? This £68,000 could have been spent on something much more worthwhile.”

Councillor Mandy Owen, the Labour cabinet member responsible for highways, said a review had taken place which revealed a “significant number” of bus stops required upgrading before enforcement is undertaken.

The Cwmbran Greenmeadow member said use of the camera car will make enforcement of bus stops, school “keep clear” markings and other restrictions more efficient and encourage motorists to follow the highway code.

“I want to be clear we are not making money from parking fines, we want to encourage considerate behaviour from motorists,” she added.

She did not dispute the £68,000 figure quoted in the question.