Over-zealous traffic wardens ‘keeping people out of’ New Ross with the level of complaints ‘concerning’

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Shoppers are effectively being “turned away from New Ross” due to over-zealous traffic wardens according to independent councillor Michael Sheehan.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of the New Ross Municipal District (NRMD) Cllr Sheehan said he had received a number of complaints from motorists who had fallen foul of the wardens.

“There are complaints about the conduct and language of our traffic wardens, we are doing everything we can to get people into the town but the level of the complaints, and the nature of the complaints, is concerning,” he said.

“Someone needs to have a good sit down with the traffic wardens because they are literally turning people away from the town. Tell them they can’t behave the way they are. They are issuing tickets willy-nilly.”

Rejecting Cllr Sheehan’s claims, director of services Eamonn Hore said he was disappointed that the wardens were being criticised without having the opportunity to defend themselves.

“Generally we receive very few complaints, whether verbal or written, to our office, as far as I’m concerned there aren’t any, but I will check it out,” he said.

“I’m disappointed this has arisen during the meeting without them having the chance to defend themselves. I know they don’t give out tickets willy-nilly. There has to be an offence, it’s recorded.”

Mr Hore argued that, contrary to Cllr Sheehan’s allegations, the wardens gave motorists every opportunity to avoid a parking ticket.

“There’s a 15-minute, sometimes 20-minute, grace period before a ticket is issued. I don’t accept that there’s no leeway afforded to motorists.”

Cllr Sheehan’s claims come at a time when businesses in New Ross are dealing with the closure of the Ferry Bridge which closed on June 24 for vital repair works and is to remain inaccessible until Friday, August 28.