More road markings for square

Road markings will be painted on to cobbles in Alnwick’s historic market place to advise people about loading bays, after a large number of drivers have been issued with penalty charge notices.

But the town’s Civic Society is not happy with the plan, saying it is reluctant to agree to additional markings in the square which detract from its historical character and setting.

The decision to introduce the words Loading Only within the numerous loading bays has been made by Northumberland County Council.

It comes after complaints about the lack of clarity over the parking arrangements in the Market Place.

The authority admits that the text might not be aesthetically pleasing, but feels that current signage is not sufficient and wants to cut down on the number of drivers being issued with penalties.

An email from a county-council officer, which has been seen by the Gazette, states: ‘I was originally asked to investigate potential improvements, due to the large amount of complaints that were received and large number of penalty charge notices being issued.

‘Parking Services received a large amount of complaints regarding the lack of clarity when parking in the Market Place. In normal circumstances a loading bay would consist of a bay marking and text on the carriageway with an accompanying sign.

‘As I understand it, the text was omitted because of complaints that the text would not be in fitting with the character of the town.

‘I do appreciate that the text will not be as pleasing on the eye as it would be without the text, but given the amount of vehicles receiving penalty charge notices in the Market Place, I think that signage alone is not sufficient. ‘This decision has also been made because of the large amount of tourists Alnwick attracts. As a local authority, we do not wish to be issuing penalty charge notices to visiting motorists who are used to seeing loading bays marked both with road marking and signs. ‘This will not only tarnish their experience of visiting Alnwick, but may also put them off from visiting again.’ The Civic Society was consulted on the plan and the group’s chairman Peter Ennor voiced concerns.