Parking fines in Kildare 'are leaving a bad taste' in tourists' mouths
Parking fines in one County Kildare region 'are leaving a bad taste' in the mouths of tourists.
That’s the claim that was made by Fianna Fáil councillor Veralouise Behan at the latest Athy Municipal District meeting, which took place on Monday, May 18 last.
Cllr Behan brought the matter to the attention of Kildare County Council (KCC) when she submitted the following question: “Can KCC explore the addition of parking costs and location information to the tourist information boards throughout Athy Town?”
In response to her query, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: “Parking signs [within Athy Town] are statutory and must be in compliance with Traffic Signs Manual issued by the Department of Transport.
“All parking signs will be revised under the review of Athy Parking Bye-Laws.”
KCC added: “Replacing or purchasing signs at this stage would be considered premature and not the best use of public finances, as any amendment of the parking byelaws will have an impact on signage.”
However, Cllr Behan repeated her call for information relating to parking fines to be included on signs installed in Athy Town.
A representative of KCC who was also present at the meeting replied to her: “It comes down to personal responsibility.”
This prompted Cllr Behan to tell the rep: “Yes, but I still think that we should just put a reminder [on the signs].”
She added: “A lot of tourists get caught up on their holidays and parking just slips their mind.”
Cllr Behan concluded by stressing to the rep: “It [referring to parking fines] is leaving a bad taste in their mouths.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme