Double-yellow cock-up means Brompton parking can’t be enforced

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Brompton Bay

Double-yellow cock-up means Brompton parking can’t be enforced

By Iain Gray

YELLOW lines meant to clear up problem parking at a popular Bangor swimming spot can’t be enforced – because they were painted incorrectly.

That’s according to Bangor West councillor Jennifer Gilmour, who says a long-running saga over parking issues at Brompton Bay still isn’t over because of the cock-up.

The situation is so bad that the public has even put at risk by selfish drivers blocking an emergency access route.

Last year, a fire engine was prevented from getting to the bay while someone was in crisis – something caused by thoughtless motorists selfishly deciding that ‘no parking’ signs in the area didn’t apply to them.

Issues began when construction work to expand sewage processing facilities in the area wiped out double-yellow lines close to the bay.

It took a long campaign from councillors to get them put back again – but according to Mrs Gilmour, they weren’t painted correctly and are therefore unenforceable.

She challenged officials from the Department for Infrastructure’s Roads section about the issue at a council committee meeting last Tuesday night.

“[After the construction work] there was a long process, because the previous double-yellow lines didn’t have legislation in place,” she said.

“The legislation is now in place and we have double-yellow lines there.

“However, whenever I asked the traffic enforcement folks to ensure [Brompton is] included in their route, because there is still inconsiderate parking, I received an email last week to say that although lines are there, they weren’t put in place in line with legislation for the area.

“They were marked incorrectly, so they cannot enforce them.”

Mrs Gilmour called on Roads officials to make sure the double-yellows are properly painted and parking restrictions can be enforced at Brompton Bay.

Divisional roads manager Mark McPeak replied that although he was aware the lines had been repainted, it was ‘news to [him] that they’re not enforceable’.

“We’ll take it away and check it,” he said.